Giro d'Italia overview

It is finally time for the first men’s Grand Tour of the year, with 184 riders set to take on three weeks of drama and suffering. From flat sprint finishes to brutal climbs, the Giro d’Italia route has something for every taste.

Grande Partenza Albania

The first three stages take place in Albania. The first stage being a nice treat for the sprinters with a possible pink delight waiting at the end in form af the Maglia Rosa which will be up for graps.

The secons stage is a little trickier for the heavy guys, with a category 3 climb in the that could reduce the peloton or be the scene for attacks 💥

On day three, another possible sprint awaits, but there is a Cat 2 climb in the middle of the stage that could leave some fatigue behind. Still it should not be a major problem for these guys.

Before looking further at the route let's take a look at a time-table for the race, so you know when to tune in!

Note: The first first three stages start/finishes earlier CEST due to Bulgaria being in EEST- time zone which is an hour in front of CEST

Links to download the overviews: https://canva.link/dfxp3llamw9tjbc

Week 1

The first week starts out with a semi-flat stage that could be a chance for sprinters, or at least the fast-guys, who can survive or get back after the category 2 climb topping with 43 km to go. This is followed by a hilly stage that could be a great chance for breakaway riders searching for luck or strong fast finishers. Stage 6 is another chance for sprinters, before stage 7 brings the most challenging terrain so far in the race with a tough finish at Blockhouse. Here we could see the first real GC-action.🩷 This is followed by a hilly weekend, which could produce some good action and offer a chance for the puncheurs.

Week 2

Week two opens with a 42 km flat ITT, a big chance for time trial specialists like Filippo Ganna to shine on home soil. It could also shape the GC standings, especially in the fight for the podium and top 10.

Then comes a hilly stage that could suit the breakaway, followed by two mainly flat but tricky stages that may still punish tired legs and give strong fast finishers or breakaway riders a chance.

Afterwards, a decisive stage 14 with plenty of climbing awaits. The stage starts uphill, which could lead to a strong breakaway and potentially GC riders trying to sneak into the move. That is only the beginning, as the route includes three category 3 climbs before a 16.5 km tough finale with an average gradient of 7.1%. If the GC is not settled by now, today could definitely be the day that changes.

The final stage of week two is the total opposite: almost pancake flat, offering a great chance for the sprinters.

Week 3

The first stage of week 3 definitely is not a treat for the sprinters, as week 3 kicks off with a short but tough mountain stage. The terrain will be bumpy and includes four categorised climbs before a finale up the Category 1 climb Carì (11.7 km at 7.9%).

The following stage is a great opportunity for strong riders with energy left, as it is a punchy day with rolling terrain totalling around 3,300 m of elevation. This includes a late climb that could split up a breakaway group, if they have made it that far into the stage, and I believe there is a good chance they will.

Then comes a stage that is categorised as flat before two tough mountain stages, but it will not be a bed of roses for the fast guys, as there is a steep climb with about 10 km to go (1.1 km at 12.3%). To make it to a bunch sprint, you will need something left in the tank, which is not necessarily the case for everyone this far into the race.

Then comes the last block of mountains before the race ends. Stage 19 is the tougher of the two, and maybe even the hardest of the entire race. It is 151 km with 5,000 m of elevation. The start brings some rolling, undulating terrain, yet it might be the easiest part of the stage. After about 50 km the riders hit the first categorised climb of the day, and it is not an easy one: a 12.2 km Category 1 climb with an average gradient of 8.1%, which could be the launchpad for a strong breakaway if one is not already out front.

And that is just the beginning. Afterwards, two Category 2 climbs await before the Cima Coppi (the highest point of this year’s Giro d’Italia). This is followed by another Category 2 climb. As if that were not enough, the riders will then tackle a final Category 1 ascent that may only be 5 km long but is brutally steep, with an average gradient of 9.6%

And the next day (Stage 20) is also quite a mouthful. Although the start is rather calm, the second half of the stage is much more difficult, including two Category 1 climbs, the last of them coming close to the finish line.

The final stage is a traditional flat day in Rome, where the sprinters who have survived this far will likely get one last shot at glory, while the jersey winners are celebrated.

Want to know where the riders are racing? Then take a look below ⬇️