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The 2026 Giro d’Italia (May 8 to 31) was unveiled this Monday in Rome. This edition promises a slightly easier route than in recent years. It features a more measured course with only five high mountain stages, seven summit finishes, and a single individual time trial. This could change the game for the favorites.
Images: x.com/giroditalia
A “light” Giro in the mountains
For the first time in a long time, the Giro is no longer trying to scare the peloton. The third week, traditionally apocalyptic, will this time be… bearable.
Highlights:
- Stage 7: return to Blockhaus (Abruzzo) via the terrible Roccamorice side, 246 km and 4,600 m of elevation gain, as in 2022.
- Stage 14: an explosive concentration from Aosta to Pila, only 133 km but 4,400 m of elevation gain and five passes.
- Last third: four summit finishes, including Piancavallo the day before the finish in Rome.
- Queen stage (penultimate day): 151 km in the Dolomites with Duran, Coi, Staulanza, the roof of the Giro at Passo Giau (2,233 m), Falzarego, and the final climb to Piani di Pezze. The only day to approach 5,000 m of elevation gain.
No Mortirolo, no Zoncolan, no Stelvio. An almost “human” Giro.
Tadej Pogacar, obsessed with Paris-Roubaix and already a four-time Tour de France winner, is expected to skip Italy in 2026. Conversely, Jonas Vingegaard is seriously eyeing the Giro-Tour double. This balanced route, without excess, should not ruin his chances before July.
See you on May 8 for the start… from Bulgaria!
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