The Giro d’Italia is the go-to event for all cycling enthusiasts and sports lovers in general. Now at its one hundred and fourteenth edition, it starts in Turin on Saturday 8 May with the “individual time trial” and ends in Milan on Sunday 30 May.
Between those dates, 21 stages and 3,479.9 km await across 13 regions ranging from the North to the South of Italy. An unrivalled sporting spectacle that has caught the public’s imagination since its first edition in 1909.
Uneven terrain, tortuous climbs and steep descents. The 21 stages, each with their own particular characteristics and difficulties, will give the many big-name competitors a run for their money as they fight it out head to head.
But what are the most eye-catching stages of this 104th edition?
Stage 11 – 19 May 2021. Perugia – Moltalcino (163 km)
With its total elevation gain of 4,700 metres this stage is one for the climbers. The main spotlight will be on the last 70 km, 35 of which will be through the mud and could become even more treacherous if bad weather strikes.
Stage 14 – 22 May 2021. Cittadella – Monte Zoncolan (205 km)
The Zoncolan is without doubt one of the toughest climbs for any cyclist. The lower average gradient of the 13.5 km ascent (slightly under 9% in the first part and around 13% in the second) may be an advantage for non-climbers, but the predictable higher speed that results can create huge gaps between the competitors.
Stage 20 – 29 May 2021. Verbania – Valle Spluga (164 km)
The three scheduled GPMs and particularly an over 4,000 metre elevation gain in the last 100 km are a forbidding prospect even for the most expert riders. A real challenge that will not disappoint, sure to offer a series of exciting twists and turns.
Stage 21 – 30 May 2021. Senago – Milan (29,4 km)
The last stage. Just a procession or the moment of truth? In a Giro so full of famous names, lots of exciting head-to-heads and last-second challenges are guaranteed!
Source:
www.oasport.it; www.quotidiano.net
