The much-anticipated 2023 Giro d’Italia is here! This year’s spectacular route commences with a thrilling 18.4km time trial along the picturesque Abruzzo coast and concludes at the historical city of Rome, following an adrenaline-filled journey of 70.6km of time trials, seven summit finishes, and a formidable finale week in the Dolomites and Julian Alps.
The organizers released all the route details in April, emphasizing the challenging mountaintop stage finishes at Crans Montana, Monte Bondone, Val di Zoldo, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. An uphill finish at the penultimate stage time trial to Monte Lussari marks the climax of the race. This year’s Giro d’Italia is no exception in extending opportunities to the sprinters.
What Does the Opening Week Look Like?
The opening week kicks off with a flat stage 2 to San Salvo and a gently rolling finale to Melfi on stage 3, setting the stage for the first finale for the climbers at Lago Laceno after the category 2 Colle Mollela on stage 4. The action begins early on stage 5, with a potential regrouping before a flat finish in Salerno and again on stage 6 around Naples.
Which are the Highlight Stages?
The first summit finish, Gran Sasso d’Italia, awaits at stage 7, featuring a two-phase ascent. First up is the category 1 climb to Calascio, followed by a lengthy, steady climb that culminates in a final push to 2,130 metres. Stage 8 presents an interesting opportunity for sprinters before the final rush in Fossombrone while stage 9 stages a 35-kilometre time trial from Savignano sul Rubicone to Cesena. To say that this is the point where the competition really hots up would be an understatement.
What Does the Second Week Hold?
The second week may start off mildly, with three stages featuring climber-friendly but flat finishes. But all gloves are sure to come off with the brutally challenging Crans Montana stage featuring this year’s Cima Coppi, the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard at 2,459 metres. The final week then takes the racers through the spectacular paths of Monte Bondone, Val di Zoldo, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, all culminating in the decisive Monte Lussari time trial.
As the riders gear up for this monumental test of endurance, the world waits with bated breath. Regardless of the outcomes, the Giro d’Italia 2023 promises to be a grand spectacle of grit, resilience, and raw power. We can only wait to witness which hero will emerge victorious!
