May 6, 2004 – The 87th version of the Tour of Italy should prove to be a decidely difficult race in 2004. The Giro begins with a 7km prologue time trial on Saturday in Genova, and will finish as per tradition, in the city of Milan on May 30. This year, the heavy favourite is once again Gilberto Simoni, backed by a strong Saeco squad. Ukrainian standout Yaroslav Popovych could prove the prognosticators right by finally taking the race that put him on everyone's lips last year with an impressive third place finish. Vini Caldirola-Nobili Rubinetterie's Stefano Garzelli has made it known that the Giro is his year-long goal, and has been preparing for it all spring with a victory in mind. Both Simoni and Garzelli have won the race before and know what it takes to bring home the pink. For 2004, the route has has slightly more climbing than last year, and a slightly longer average stage length.

Stage List
May 8: Prologue ITT, 7 km
May 9: Genova – Alba, 149 km
May 10: Novi Ligure – Pontremoli, 183 km
May 11: Pontremoli – Corno Alle Scale, 190 km
May 12: Porretta Terme – Civitella in Val Di Chiana, 187 km
May 13: Civitella in Val Di Chiana – Spoleto, 174 km
May 14: Spoleto – Valmontone, 163 km
May 15: Frosinone – Montevergine Di Mercogliano, 211 km
May 16: Giffoni Valle Piana – Policoro, 234 km
May 17: Policoro – Carovigno, 142 km

Rest Day – May 18

May 19: Porto Sant'Elpidio – Ascoli Piceno, 145 km
May 20: Porto Sant-Elpidio – Cesena, 229 km
May 21: Cesena – Treviso, 216 km
May 22: Trieste – Altopiano Carsico ITT, 52 km
May 23: Trieste – Pula/Pola, 166 km
May 24: Porec/Parenzo – San Vendemiano, 229 km
May 25: San Vendemiano – Falzes, 215 km

Rest Day – May 26

May 27: Brunico – Fondo Sarnonico, 158 km
May 28: Cles Val di Non – Bormio 2000, 120 km
May 29: Bormio – Presolana, 121 km
May 30: Clusone – Milano, 144 km