Giro 2024: route, stage profiles and favourites

Published on 30 April 2024

The cycling world will have its eyes on Italy from 4 to 26 May 2024 for the 107th edition of the Giro d'Italia. Indeed, the Grand Depart of this cycling race will take place in Piedmont, with a finish in Turin. This 2024 route will feature two time trial stages and formidable climbs (Prati di Divo, Livigno-Mottolino, Stelvio, Passo del Broco, Monte Grappa). Between postcard landscapes on the Adriatic coast and monumental reliefs, this Tour of Italy should delight the peloton... a good month before the 2024 Tour de France. Discover the route, stage profiles, and favorites of the Giro 2024.

Giro 2024: stage profiles

1st stage SATURDAY 4 MAY - VENARIA REALE - TURIN - 136 KM

Cyclists are expected on Saturday, May 4, in Venaria Reale, in the northwest of Turin, for the start of this 2024 edition. After some "small climbs" (Berzano di San Pietro in 4th category, Superga via dei Colli in 3rd category), cyclists will face the Colle Maddalena, a 2nd category pass 6.1 km long with an average gradient of 7.4%, with the summit less than 20 kilometers from the finish in Turin. This climb should not favor sprinters but rather attackers like Bagioli who could don the first pink jersey of this 2024 Tour of Italy.

2nd stage SUNDAY 5 MAY - SAN FRANCESCO AL CAMPO - SANCTUARY OF OROPA - 150KM

On Sunday, the flat terrain of San Francesco al Campo will gradually give way to a more rugged profile. Two 3rd category climbs are on the agenda, at Oasi Zegna (kilometer 111.6) and at Nelva (kilometer 126.4) with the highlight, the sanctuary of Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Biella. This climb extends over 11.8 km with an average gradient of 6.2%, reaching 13% in some places. Nothing insurmountable, but demanding enough to eliminate sprinters. This could favor attackers or riders adept at decisive end-of-stage efforts.

3rd stage NOVARA- FOSSANO - 165 KM

After perhaps suffering, at least for some, during the first two days of racing, sprinters will have the opportunity to shine in the Piedmont plain during this third stage from Novara to Fossano. Apart from a small 4th category climb at kilometer 58.9 and the final bump, there is nothing notable in this stage that should suit the fastest pro riders.

4th stage ACQUI TERME - ANDORA - 187 KM

The fourth stage shares similarities with the previous ones as it heads towards the Ligurian Sea coast. No major difficulties to report, except for a 3rd category climb crossed halfway through and a perilous descent leading to the finish. Could this be detrimental to sprinters? Nothing is certain, even if after 187 kilometers of effort, not everyone will have the same energy approaching the finish line.

5TH STAGE - WEDNESDAY 8 MAY - GERNOVA - LUCCA - 176 KM

May 8 will not be a day of rest for sprinters who will have another opportunity at the finish in Lucca. Of course, they will first have to face the Passo Del Bracco at kilometer 62.5 (classified as 3rd category), as well as Montemagno at kilometer 157, classified as 4th category. However, once these difficulties are overcome, everyone should quickly find their place in the peloton, ready for the sprint among the most powerful professional cyclists.

6TH STAGE - THURSDAY 9 MAY - VIAREGGIO - RAPOLANO TERME - 177 KM

On the eve of a highly anticipated time trial, the race in Tuscany between Viareggio and Rapolano Terme seems to be a matter of management for the riders. On the course, a few stretches of white roads extend over about a dozen kilometers, accompanied by two 4th category climbs (La Bertesca, at kilometer 90.2, and Grotti, at kilometer 138.7), as well as a slight climb towards the end. Nothing insurmountable for sprinters.

7TH STAGE - FRIDAY 10 MAY - FOLIGNO - PERUGIA - 37.2 KM (TIME TRIAL)

This is the moment everyone has been waiting for: the first time trial of the Giro 2024. Heading to Umbria, with a course of 37.2 kilometers divided into two distinct parts. For about thirty kilometers, the terrain is flat and conducive to speed. Then, in the last seven kilometers, riders will have to deal with irregular climbs to the finish line, on the side of Perugia, with a final climb classified as 4th category.

8TH STAGE - SATURDAY 11 MAY - SPOLETO - PRATI DI TIVO - 153 KM

After the time trial, the 2024 Tour of Italy takes a mountainous turn. On the program, a crossing of the Apennines to the summit of Prati di Tivo (Abruzzo), a climb forgotten by the Giro since 1975, with a final climb of 14.6 km at 7%. This difficulty is often present in the Tirreno Adriatico. With very few flat sections, this stage at the end of the first week of racing could leave some scars. At kilometer 38, the Forca Capistrello pass, classified as 2nd category with over 16 kilometers at 12%, promises to be formidable. Not to mention Croce Abbio, classified as 3rd category, located about forty kilometers from the finish.

9TH STAGE - SUNDAY 12 MAY - AVEZZANO - NAPLES - 206 KM

Final effort before the rest day for the peloton, which heads south to Naples after crossing the Abruzzo region. The route is relatively flat but extends over 206 kilometers, which, after a week of efforts, is far from trivial. In theory, this stage could end with a fourth mass sprint. However, the few bumps on the route, as well as Monte di Procida at kilometer 172.1, could also favor attackers with a bit of energy left.

10TH STAGE - TUESDAY 14 MAY - POMPEII - CUSANO MUTRI (BOCCA DELLA SELVA) - 141 KM

After a rest day along the Gulf of Naples, the 10th stage of this Giro 2024 will start from a historic site, the ancient city of Pompeii. However, there's no time for sightseeing for the peloton. Riders will face a second-category pass, Camposauro (6.1 km with gradients up to 13%), followed by a difficult final climb to Bocca della Selva (18 km at 5.7%, with sections reaching 10%). Who will have recovered best to aim for victory at the mountain top? It's worth noting that this stage is relatively short, at 141 kilometers, but it could surprise many as riders will have to find their rhythm again after the first rest day of this Giro 2024.

11TH STAGE - WEDNESDAY 15 MAY - FOIANO DI VAL FORTORE - FRANCAVILLA AL MARE - 203 KM

A change of scenery for the peloton heading towards the Adriatic Sea. Despite the presence of a third category climb at Pietracatella, at kilometer 50.3, the difficulties are relatively limited, apart from the length of the stage. The finish on a long straight line should favor the most powerful sprinters. It remains to be seen who will stand out after a stage that has not been so easy to negotiate, especially since another difficult stage is scheduled for the following day.

12TH STAGE - THURSDAY 16 MAY - MARTINISICURO - FANO - 183KM

On the agenda for this day, a hilly and rugged stage. Along the Adriatic coast, short climbs will lead the riders to Fano, in the Marches region. The final difficulty, San Costanzo (2 km at 6.7%), should not fundamentally change the outcome of the stage, which nevertheless includes a total of five fourth category climbs: Recanati at kilometer 76.6, Osimo at kilometer 93.1, Monti at kilometer 106.7, La Croce at kilometer 148.6, and San Constanzo at kilometer 170.9. Over these 183 kilometers, the breakaways hope to play their cards well before a stage that promises to favor pure sprinters.

13TH STAGE - FRIDAY 17 MAY - RICCIONE - CENTO - 179 KM

The 13th stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia promises flat terrain, nothing but flat, as it starts from the seaside resort of Riccione. Through Emilia-Romagna, the peloton is expected to maintain a moderate pace in anticipation of an inevitable mass sprint at the finish in Cento. Considering what lies ahead in the coming days of racing, many riders will look to conserve their strength over these 179 kilometers of flat terrain. It is undeniable that teams with the best sprinters will be particularly motivated to take control of the race.

14TH STAGE - SATURDAY 18 MAY - CASTIGLIONE DELLE STIVIERE - DESENZANO DEL GARDA - 31 KM (TIME TRIAL)

The second time trial of the Giro 2024 will take place between Castiglione delle Stiviere and Desenzano del Garda, on the shores of Lake Garda in Lombardy. This time, the route will be flat over a distance of 31 kilometers. On home soil, Filippo Ganna could dominate the competition. Some will aim for victory, while others will seek to limit the damage on this particular route. It should be noted that this time trial comes in a specific context of the Giro 2024, between a stage favoring sprinters and a mountainous day dedicated to the climbers. Significant effort management will be necessary to hope to win this Giro d'Italia, or simply to remain competitive in the race.

15TH STAGE - SUNDAY 19 MAY - MANERBA DEL GARDA - LIVIGNO (MOTTOLINO) - 220KM

Final effort before a new rest day, but not the least! This fifteenth stage begins with a small controversy, with a change of course announced last March. With Switzerland deciding to close its borders, the decision was made to pass through the Mortirolo Pass, a classic of the race. Although the climb of the Forcola di Livigno and the canton of Grisons have been omitted, the riders will still have to cover 220 kilometers. As an appetizer, there will be Lodrino, classified as a third category climb at kilometer 37.2, then Colle San Zenon at kilometer 64.4 (classified as a second category). With three first category climbs in the last 80 kilometers (Passo del Mortirolo, Passo di Foscagno, and the finish in Livigno), this final stage of the second week of racing promises a breathtaking spectacle, and perhaps the first significant insights into the battle for overall victory. It will take more than ever to be strong to stay at the front and cross the finish line ahead in one of the most demanding stages of this Giro 2024.

16TH STAGE - TUESDAY 21 MAY - LIVIGNO - SANTA CRISTINA VAL GARDENA (MONTE PANA) - 202 KM

In Livigno, Lombardy, at an altitude of 1,915 meters, the riders of the Giro d’Italia 2024 will enjoy their last rest day. It is clear that they will need to recharge their batteries, as the 16th stage promises to be tough. On the agenda, the famous Stelvio Pass, reaching 2,758 meters in altitude, after about fifty kilometers of racing. The final climb to the summit of Monte Pana (7.6 km at 6.1%) promises to be grueling, with final percentages ranging from 8 to 16%. Not to mention the Passo Pinei, a first category climb located about ten kilometers from the finish, with over 23 kilometers of ascent likely to create gaps. All this on a 202-kilometer route. Just that.

17TH STAGE - WEDNESDAY 22 MAY - SELVA DI VAL GARDENA - COL BROCON - 154 KM

This stage is shorter, but there is no flat section until the summit of the Passo del Brocon, after a 12.2 km climb. In total, five climbs will be crossed by the peloton. The Passo Rolle, at kilometer 67.7, over nearly 20 kilometers, is classified as first category, just like the finish. From kilometer 8.9, the Passo Sella, classified as second category, presents slopes at 11%, setting the scene. The same difficulty is expected for the Passo Brocon, but from the Albergo side, at kilometer 127.2, with percentages reaching 12%. The Passo Gobbera, at kilometer 100.6, is almost forgotten, classified as third category. After 154 grueling kilometers, who will stand out?

18TH STAGE - THURSDAY 23 MAY - FIERA DI PRIMIERO - PADOVA - 166 KM

Finally, some respite for the non-climbers between Fiera di Primiero (Trentino-Alto Adige) and Padua (Veneto) on a flat route. Virtually no difficulties to report, except for a short climb near Lamon, at kilometer 19, classified as fourth category. It's an opportunity for the sprinters still in form to aim for victory in this Giro d'Italia. This stage offers a moment of calm for the peloton, before things get serious again the next day for climbers and contenders for overall victory in this Giro 2024.

19TH STAGE - FRIDAY 24 MAY - MORTEGLIANO - CIMA SAPPADA - 154 KM

The penultimate stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia promises a hilly route. It will finish in Sappada after a climb of over seven kilometers to Cima Sappada, with gradients reaching 15%. The Passon Duron, short but intense, after about 100 kilometers of racing, could already have dampened the ambitions of some before the final sprint. On the agenda, a climb of 4.4 kilometers, with sections at 18%, likely to create significant gaps. Those who hoped for a respite before one of the key moments of this Giro d'Italia, on Saturday, will be disappointed.

20TH STAGE - SATURDAY 25 MAY - ALPAGO - BASSANO DEL GRAPPA - 175 KM

Here comes the eagerly awaited moment of the ultimate duel between climbers. On the agenda, a double ascent of Monte Grappa, totaling 18.2 kilometers of climbing with gradients ranging from 8 to 14%, followed by a descent of about thirty kilometers towards Bassano del Grappa, in Veneto. Is this the moment chosen by Tadej Pogacar to secure victory in this Giro 2024? "This is the stage that catches my attention," said Slovenian Primoz Roglic, winner of the last Giro. A real premonition? To achieve victory, it will not be enough just to tame Monte Grappa. In addition to the fourth category climb from kilometer 28 with the Muro di Ca' del Poggio, the riders will also have to face two long descents and above all maintain a sustained effort after nearly three weeks of racing. If nothing is yet decided in the standings before this penultimate stage of the Giro 2024, the suspense promises to reach its climax.

21ST STAGE - SUNDAY 26 MAY - ROME - ROME - 126 KM

While the name of the winner of the Tour d’Italia 2024 will be officially revealed from the day before, the traditional final stage will take the form of a criterium, on a circuit set up in the beautiful streets of Rome. A mass sprint in the capital will honor the sprinters, offering a final point of 126 kilometers in the eternal city. The public is expected to turn out in large numbers, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event. This final stage also marks the end of an edition that is hoped to be spectacular to the end. Barely a month later, some will have ideally prepared for the Tour de France 2024 by crossing the roads so difficult of this Giro 2024.

Favorites for the Giro 2024

Since 2016, Italy has been eagerly awaiting to see one of its riders win the Giro d'Italia. At that time, Vincenzo Nibali triumphed, beating Esteban Chaves by only 52 seconds, while Alejandro Valverde completed the podium. At 29 and for his eighth participation, could Giulio Ciccone give Italian fans something to cheer about by winning on home soil? The task ahead looks daunting.

Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), in his first participation, is considered the number one favorite. For the first time, the Slovenian cyclist, double winner of the Tour de France, will start the Giro d'Italia, an event where he has already tasted success. Indeed, he is a triple champion of the Tour of Lombardy and has won Tirreno-Adriatico twice (in 2021 and 2022) as well as the Strade Bianche twice (in 2022 and 2024). During the sixth stage, from Viareggio to Rapolano Terme, he will encounter the dirt roads of Tuscany, terrain he knows well.

The winner of the 2023 edition, Primoz Roglic, will unfortunately be absent from this Giro 2024. However, his runner-up from the previous year, Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers), will be present and will therefore have a tough challenge ahead to claim victory.

Among the other contenders, we will find Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma), Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R), Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), as well as the Frenchman Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL).

On paper, the route of the Giro d'Italia 2024 seems scarcely less difficult than that of the previous year. This promises an intense spectacle and perhaps even more suspense until the end.

If you too want to challenge yourself on the most beautiful climbs in France and ride in the footsteps of professional riders, the Etape du Tour awaits you!