Udfordringer på Ruten
This lengthy stage will definitely test the riders’ endurance, especially since the first 145 kilometers feature some hills. The race kicks off with a steep climb towards the Valico di Monte Romito, followed by the main ascent of the day at Valico di Monte Carruozzo (Category 2, 19.9 km at 3.8%), which peaks after 57 kilometers. After that, the riders will navigate a rolling terrain through Irpinia, with one final climb at Monteforte Irpino (Category 3, 14.6 km at 2.2%), which they’ll conquer about 80 kilometers from the finish line.
The last 45 kilometers will be in an urban environment, weaving through towns without much of a break. The road conditions are generally good, though there are some stretches with porphyry cobbles. Before reaching Naples, the cyclists will speed along a 20-kilometer highway stretch, setting the stage for a fast and technical approach to the coast.
Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek is looking to repeat his success from two years ago when he claimed his first Giro d’Italia stage win right at this finish line. However, this time the competition will be fierce, with pure sprinters like Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike), Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Casper Van Uden (Picnic PostNL), Maikel Zijlaard (Tudor), Matteo Moschetti (Q36.5), Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck), and Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) all in contention for the win.
Here are the key details for the day:
- Route: Potenza – Napoli
- Distance: 227 km
- Elevation gain: 2,600 meters
- Start time: 11:30 a.m.
- Official start (KM 0): 11:50 a.m.
- Live coverage starts: 10:00 a.m.
- Estimated finish time: around 5:15 p.m.
Fans and cycling enthusiasts alike can look forward to an exhilarating day filled with excitement and intense competition as the riders make their way to the finish in Naples.