The eagerly anticipated Giro d’Italia 2024 route has been revealed. Unlike the eye-watering Tour de France or Vuelta routes, this year’s course appears more balanced, which may foster more aggressive racing and attract grand tour superstars.
The 107th Giro d’Italia will commence on May 4 in Piemonte and culminate three weeks later in Rome.
Looking ahead to the 2024 edition, speculation is rife about who will take the coveted title, following in the footsteps of last year’s champion, Primož Roglič.
With his sights set on the Tour de France in July, the Giro offers a tantalizing opportunity for other contenders. Among those confirmed to race is superstar Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates.
This year’s route presents a fascinating blend of challenges. Covering 68.2 km in time trials, it seems tailored for time-trial specialists. However, with six summit finishes, climbers, too, have ample opportunity to leave their mark.
Adding to the allure, the 2024 edition will feature the iconic Passo dello Stelvio and intriguing gravel sectors.
As we gear up for what promises to be a captivating 2024 Giro d’Italia, the cycling world buzzes with anticipation. Who will rise to the occasion? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter where strategy, endurance, and sheer talent will converge.
Stay tuned for an exhilarating ride through Italy’s picturesque landscapes and grueling ascents – a true test for cycling’s finest!
Headline Features of the Giro d’Italia 2024 Route
Giro d’Italia 2024 Length and Elevation
The 2024 Giro d’Italia route will cover 3,321.2 kilometers (2063.7 miles) and 42,900 meters in vertical elevation across the 21 days of racing with an average distance of 158 km (98 miles) per stage.
Giro d’Italia 2024 Dates
The Giro d’Italia 2024 will start on Saturday, 4th May, and conclude on Sunday, 26th May.
This period will include two rest days on the 15th and 20th of May.
A Grand Tour For Time Trial Specialists
The 2024 Giro d’Italia, with its 68.2 kilometers of individual time trialing, is a route that certainly favors specialists in the discipline, particularly those eyeing the general classification.
The first of these is a 37.2 km time trial in Stage 7 from Foligno to Perugia, featuring a challenging final climb that adds an extra element of difficulty. The second time trial is a 31 km stage from Castiglione delle Stiviere to Desenzano del Garda in Stage 14.
These time trials provide a substantial opportunity for riders who are strong in this discipline to gain significant time on their rivals, especially those who are more climbing-oriented.
As such, GC contenders who are also adept at time trialing will have a marked advantage in this year’s race.
Regarding the riders attending, some notable time trial specialists are confirmed to participate.
Filippo Ganna, known for his prowess in individual time trials, has expressed a particular focus on these stages, indicating that he sees them as a significant opportunity.
Other riders, such as Tadej Pogačar and Geraint Thomas, with their combination of time-trialing strength and general classification experience, are likely to be key figures in the battle for the pink jersey at the 2024 Giro d’Italia.
Opportunities for The Sprinters
The 2024 Giro d’Italia appears to be a route that many sprinters will find appealing, although it does present its own set of challenges. The stages present a mix of opportunities for both sprinters and breakaway specialists.
The final verdict, as always, will be decided by the dynamics of the race itself. At least four stages are expected to end in bunch sprints, with up to nine possible if conditions favor the sprinters.
Stage 3, the 165-kilometer stretch from Novara to Fossano, is the first significant opportunity for sprinters. However, this stage includes a false flat section near the end, which could complicate a pure sprint finish.
As for the sprinters attending, the preliminary start list includes renowned fast men like Elia Viviani of INEOS Grenadiers, Fabio Jakobsen of Team DSM-Firmenich, Caleb Ewan of Team Jayco AlUla, and Danny Van Poppel of BORA-hansgrohe.
Their participation adds extra excitement to the sprint stages, promising high-speed action and fierce competition.
The final stage in Rome is set to be a spectacular showcase for sprinters, mirroring the route that crowned Mark Cavendish in the 2023 edition.
Giro d’Italia 2024 Route: Stage-by-Stage Analysis
Each stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia brings its unique flavor, from sprints to grueling mountain ascents, ensuring a race full of high speeds, strategy, and sheer cycling prowess.
Stage 1: Venaria Reale > Turin (136 km)- Hills
The 2024 Giro d’Italia opens with a dramatic start in Venaria Reale, north of Turin, stretching 136km with a route that includes climbs Superga and Colle Maddalena, culminating in a fast descent to central Turin.
The route suits a reduced bunched sprint, with a rider like Mads Pederson or Wout Van Aert crossing the line first.
This stage, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Turin air tragedy, offers a balance of challenges for both sprinters and climbers.
Stage 2: San Francesco Al Campo > Oropa (150 km)-Mountains (Summit Finish)
In Stage 2, the peloton faces its earliest summit finish in 35 years, with a 154km ride from San Francesco al Campo to Santuario di Oropa.
The climb to Oropa is a significant 11.8 km at 6.1%, marking an early and vital test for General Classification (GC) contenders. Within this climb is a 4 km section at 9%, perfectly matched for a rider like Pogačar.
This stage echoes Marco Pantani‘s memorable victory in 1999. During this iconic ascent, Pantani experienced a mechanical issue with his chain at the beginning of the climb but impressively managed to overtake his competitors. However, the triumph was followed by a significant turn in Pantani’s career.
Just a week later, he did not pass a hematocrit test, leading to his exclusion from the race, an event that had a lasting impact on his professional life and personal journey.
Stage 3: Novara > Fossano (165 km)- Flat
This stage seems tailored for sprinters but includes a tricky 1.8 km run-up to Fossano. The riders will cross the Po Valley, tackling modest climbs like Lu and Cherasco, potentially impacting the sprinters’ showdown.
Stage 4: Acqui Terme > Andora (187 km)- Flat
Another sprinters’ stage, yet it demands effort to earn their chance. Climbing up to 1000 m at Col di Melogno and descending to Savona via Col di Cadibona, the stage concludes with a short climb at Capo Mele before following the Aurelia road.
Stage 5: Genova > Lucca (176 km)- Hills
Sprinters rejoice! Another sprinter-friendly stage from Genova to Camaiore, crossing notable towns. However, Stage 5 also features the Montemagno climb, which might disrupt the sprinters’ plans.
Stage 6: Viareggio > Rapolano Terme (177 km)- Hills
Beginning in Viareggio, this stage traverses numerous towns and includes sections of the Strade Bianche. The Vidritta, Bagnaia, and the new Pievina sections add to the challenge, culminating in a slight uphill finish.
Stage 7: Foligno > Perugia (37.2 km)- ITT
A predominantly flat ITT that becomes critical in the GC battle, ending with a KOM climb to the center of Umbria’s capital. The route passes through Spello, Assisi, and Bastia Umbra.
Stage 8: Spoletto > Prati di Tivo (153 km)- Mountains (Summit Finish)
A short but intense stage with significant elevation gain, including climbs like Forca di Cerro and Forca Capistrello, leading to a final 14 km ascent at 7% average.
Stage 9: Avezzano > Naples (206 km)- Hills
Starting downhill from Avezzano, this stage has a final challenge with a climb to Monte di Procida, followed by a succession of short stretches towards Pozzuoli and Posillipo, ending with a downhill to Via Caracciolo.
Rest Day #1: May 15th
Stage 10: Pompei > Cusano Mutri (141 km)- Mountains (Summit Finish)
Starting in Pompei, this stage features climbs like Taburno and Camposauro, leading to a long final climb (18 km at 5.6%), passing through Guardia Sanframondi to Cusano Mutri.
Stage 11: Foiano di Valfortore > Francavilla Al Mare (203 km)- Flat
A stage through the Molise Apennines to Termoli, along a flat Adriatic state road, ideal for a sprint finish.
Stage 12: Martiniscuro > Fano (183 km)- Hills
Starting along the Adriatic sea, then an undulating route with numerous ups and downs, the final uphill section at 12 km from the finish could be a decisive point to avoid a sprint finish.
Stage 13: Riccione > Cento (179 km)- Flat
This stage is as flat as they come, creating perfect conditions for a thrilling bunch sprint. Linking the beaches to the Po Valley’s heart, the route via Via Emilia and past Bologna is straightforward, setting the stage for a high-speed showdown in Cento.
Stage 14: Castiglione delle Stivere > Desenzano del Garda (31 km)- ITT
A day for the TT experts, with speeds expected to average around 55 km/h. The route’s downhill profile and fast roads, especially in the second half, make for a blistering lakeside finish in Desenzano.
This stage could be a game-changer in the GC battle!
Stage 15: Manerba del Garda > Livigno (220 km)-Mountains (Summit Finish)
The longest stage of this edition, starting from Lake Garda and reaching the unprecedented Colle San Zeno, is an Alpine spectacle. Climbing the Aprica and the arduous Forcola di Livigno, the riders will then tackle the Passo d’Eira, finishing with a dramatic ascent up the Mottolino ski slope.
This stage is set to be a real test of endurance and climbing prowess.
Rest Day #2: May 20th
Stage 16: Livigno > Santa Cristina Val Gardena (202 km) – Mountains (Summit Finish)
Featuring the iconic Stelvio Pass, this stage starts with a climb through the Eira and Foscagno Passes. After a descent and a lengthy flat section to Bolzano, the grueling climb to Castelrotto and Passo Pinei awaits, ending with a gentle climb leading to a final, steep wall.
Expect major GC action here!
Stage 17: Selva di Val Gardena > Passo dei Brocon (154 km)- Mountains (Summit Finish)
A day of relentless climbing, beginning with the Sella Pass and a brief respite in the Fassa Valley. The riders then face the Rolle, Gobbera, and Brocon Passes, with the latter climbed twice, including a steep final 2 km with tight hairpins.
This stage promises explosive racing!
Stage 18: Fiera di Primiero > Padova (166 km)- Flat
This “rest” stage offers a likely bunch sprint. Starting with a light downhill to Feltre, the route through the flat Prosecco lands and the Venetian hinterland leads to Padua’s Prato della Valle. A day for the sprinters to shine once more.
Stage 19: Mortegliano > Sappada (154 km)- Hills (Uphill Finish)
Beginning with a flat section to Tolmezzo, the stage then brings successive climbs: the Duron Pass, Sella Valcalda, and a final ascent to Sappada.
It’s a day of mixed fortunes, where breakaways might have their chance.
Stage 20: Alpago > Bassano del Grappa: (175 km)-Mountains
This could be the decisive stage of the Giro if GC gaps are close. A flat approach is followed by two ascents of Monte Grappa from Semonzo, with the second descent leading straight to the finish.
It’s a stage where the overall victory could be clinched.
Stage 21: Rome > Rome (128 km)- Flat
A celebratory stage, almost identical to 2023’s final day. It starts with a ride to the coast and then several laps around a city circuit.
It’s a day of honor for the pink jersey and a spectacular end to a thrilling Giro d’Italia.
We want to hear from you!
Which stages stand out to you?
Which riders do you think the route favors?
Is there anything you’re particularly pleased with or disappointed about with the Giro d’Italia 2024?
Let us know in the comments below!
