Cycling: The Giro d'Italia 6 will start in the Netherlands on May 2016th. Riders and fans can look forward to a highly varied route with a high proportion of time trials and some extremely difficult mountain stages this year. The field of riders will be top-class and the return of Vincenzo Nibali after a two-year absence will not only make Italian cycling fans happy. We have put together all the important information about the route, the field of riders, the favorites and, of course, TV broadcasts and live streams in our Giro preview.
Giro d'Italia 2016: The route at a glance
Date | stage # | Place | Length | Type | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
06.05.16 | 1. | Apeldoorn | 9.8km | individual time trial | *** |
07.05.16 | 2. | Arnhem - Nijmegen | 190km | flat stage | ** |
08.05.16 | 3. | Nijmegen - Arnhem | 189km | flat stage | * |
09.05.16 | - | Rest day #1 - Transfer to Italy | - | - | - |
10.05.16 | 4. | Catanazaro-Praia a Mare | 191km | Wavy | *** |
11.05.16 | 5. | Praia a Mare - Benevento | 233km | Wavy | ** |
12.05.16 | 6. | Ponte-Roccaraso | 185km | Mountain Stage | *** |
13.05.16 | 7. | Sulmona-Foligno | 210km | Wavy | ** |
14.05.16 | 8. | Foligno-Arezzo | 169km | Wavy | *** |
15.05.16 | 9. | Chianti Classico | 40.4km | individual time trial | **** |
16.05.16 | - | Day off #2 | - | - | - |
17.05.16 | 10. | Campi Bisenzio-Sestola | 216km | Wavy | *** |
18.05.16 | 11. | Modena-Asolo | 212km | Wavy | *** |
19.05.16 | 12. | Noale - Bibione | 168km | flat stage | * |
20.05.16 | 13. | Palma Nova - Cividale del Friuli | 161km | Mountain Stage | **** |
21.05.16 | 14. | Alpago-Corvara | 210km | Mountain Stage | ***** |
22.05.16 | 15. | Castelrotto - Alpe di Siusi | 10.8km | individual time trial | **** |
23.05.16 | - | Day off #3 | - | - | - |
24.05.16 | 16. | Bressanone-Andalo | 133km | Mountain Stage | *** |
25.05.16 | 17. | Molveno - Cassano d'Adda | 196km | Wavy/Flat | * |
26.05.16 | 18. | Muggio - Pinerolo | 234km | Wavy/Flat | *** |
27.05.16 | 19. | Pinerolo-risoul | 161km | Mountain Stage | ***** |
28.05.16 | 20. | Guillestre - Sant'Anna di Vinadio | 150km | Mountain Stage | ***** |
29.05.16 | 21. | Cuneo-Turin | 150km | flat stage | * |
Giro d'Italia 2016: The stages in detail
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #1: Apeldoorn (EZF)
Date: Friday May 06th
Category: individual time trial
Length: 9,8km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The starting gun will be fired this year in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands with the first of a total of three individual time trials. The route is 9,8km long and completely flat. Accordingly, the start and the maglia rosa on the first day should be easy prey for the time trial specialists among the starters. On the one hand there would be Ton Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin), who has been in poor form lately, but is still one of the inner circle of favourites. He will probably have the greatest competition in the person of Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo), who was in top form again in his last season. The time trial is too short for large time gaps between the favorites, even if one or the other may then start the first real stages with a small mortgage.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #2: Arnhem – Nijmegen
Date: Saturday, May 7
Category: flat stage
Length: 190km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: On day two follows a classic Dutch sprint stage from Arnhem to Nijmegen. 190 mostly flat kilometers will help the riders get ready for the first Grand Tour of the year and the neopros can shed their first nervousness here. There will almost certainly be a mass sprint at the finish line. As with all classic sprint stages this year, the absolute top favorite is undoubtedly Marcel Kittel (Etixx – Quick-Step). The 27-year-old has regained his old strength after moving away from Giant-Alpecin, harmonizes almost perfectly with his sprint train and has already shown several times that he is currently the strongest sprinter in the peloton.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #3: Nijmegen – Arnhem
Date: Sunday May 08th
Category: flat stage
Length: 189km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The last stage in Holland before the transfer to Italy is almost a mirror image of the previous day. 189 flat kilometers without any difficulties worth mentioning with a very classic sprint finish. Marcel Kittel could win his second day in a row here, but André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) could challenge his compatriot for success. Sacha Modolo (Lampre-Merida), Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo) and Elia Viviani (Team Sky) should also want to have a say in the victory.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #4: Catanazaro - Praia a Mare
Date: Tuesday May 10th
Category: Flat/Wavy
Length: 191km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: After the first day of rest and the transfer to the south of Italy, we head back north step by step. The first stages are Giro-typical flat stages with some smaller climbs, which could cause difficulties for the pure sprinters. On day four, for example, in the final kilometers there is an almost 2.000m long climb with an average gradient of 7,7%, which invites you to attack. Apart from that, after a completely flat initial 100 kilometers, there are two more smaller hills that could play into the hands of the breakaway of the day. In addition to the sprinters, a breakaway could also triumph here.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #5: Praia a Mare - Benevento
Date: Wednesday May 11th
Category: Wavy
Length: 233km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The stage in southern Italy from Praia a Mare to Benevento is the second longest of this year's Giro at 233km and is likely to cause burning thighs with its undulating profile. The finale is quite interesting: the last two kilometers are slightly uphill, on a paved road surface at that. Profile and length are not dissimilar to a spring classic and should suit one-day specialists. Fabian Cancellara is undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the day, along with Philippe Gilbert (BMC) and Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida).
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #6: Ponte - Roccaraso
Date: Thursday May 12th
Category: mountain stage (mountain arrival)
Length: 185km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Shortly before the end of the first Giro week, the first small endurance test for the classification riders awaits in the field. The 185km stage up to the ski resort of Aremogna offers one of only two real mountain finishes this year and while not difficult enough to produce significant time gaps between the favourites, it could create difficulties for those not yet on their Grand Tour form have found. It is possible that one of the "big ones" has already set a first scent mark with the day's victory, but the stage could also be a great opportunity for the climbers of the second division to put themselves and the team in the shop window.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #7: Sulmona - Foligno
Date: Friday May 13th
Category: Wavy
Length: 210km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: At the end of the first week of the Giro, a 210 km stage with flat, undulating terrain takes the peloton further north to the town of Foligno in the Umbria region. The stage offers an opportunity to recover from the exertions of the previous day and could become a case for a strong breakaway who could take advantage of the constant ups and downs and the two or three smaller climbs. However, if the field is together again at the final, one of the sprinters in the field will probably be at the top at the end of the day.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #8: Foligno - Arezzo
Date: Saturday, May 14
Category: Wavy
Length: 169km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Week two of the Giro starts with a highly interesting stage to Arezzo, the highlight of which is undoubtedly the climb of the Alpe di Poti with about 20km to go. This 10km climb is 14% steep in places and takes up much of the region's strade bianche, the white gravel roads that have a notorious reputation among the pros. The following descent to the finish is technically very demanding with many sharp hairpin bends and sometimes very bad road surfaces. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) will feel right at home in the finale of this stage – the Messina shark is undoubtedly strong enough for the climb and, thanks to his technical ability, is also one of the fastest riders in the peloton on the descent.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #9: Chianti Classico (EZF)
Date: Sunday May 15th
Category: individual time trial
Length: 40,4km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The second time trial of this year's Giro has it all: With a length of just over 40km and its wavy profile, it will shake up the overall standings. The wide roads take drivers through the famous Chianti vineyards in what is arguably one of the most beautiful regions in the country, but drivers may not have time to enjoy the scenery here. In view of this stage, Fabian Cancellara will certainly be rubbing his hands and the Swiss in his current condition is unlikely to be defeated here.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #10: Campi Bisenzio - Sestola
Date: Tuesday May 17th
Category: Wavy
Length: 216km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Today the participants have to deal with one of those tough, long stages with a very demanding profile. The constant ups and downs over the 216km to Sestola could be the perfect terrain for a strong breakaway to fight for victory here. Riders like Philippe Gilbert or Diego Ulissi could also show off their skills here, as could Fabian Cancellara - depending on how much power the Trek pro left at the time trial the day before.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #11: Modena-Asolo
Date: Wednesday May 18th
Category: flat stage
Length: 212km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Before things get serious for the riders in the Dolomites at the end of the week, there are two more flat stages on the program. The eleventh stage from Modena to Asolo is mainly characterized by its final 25km, on which two short but steep climbs await and invite you to attack. It's very difficult to predict and we just let ourselves be surprised who will end up on top of the podium in Asolo.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #12: Noale - Bibione
Date: Thursday May 19th
Category: flat stage
Length: 168km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Unspectacular - this is probably the best way to describe the twelfth stage between Noale and Bibione. 168 flat kilometers through the Venice region will most likely end in a bunch sprint and will be the last chance for the sprinters in the field to snag another stage win before last week.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #13: Palmanova - Cividale del Friuli
Date: Friday May 20th
Category: Mountain Stage
Length: 161km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: In the very north-east of Italy, right on the border with Slovenia, lies the Friuli region and this is where we will get gripping cycling action during the thirteenth stage. Already after 42km the brutal Monte Matajur (8,3km at 8,7% and ramps with more than 15%) followed by the second climb of the day awaits before the riders can rest briefly to face the final with the Cima Porzus and the Valle again having to overcome two major challenges. The stage is just before the difficult days in the Dolomites and the classification riders will have to think carefully about how much energy they want to invest here. But a well-placed attack in the last third could cause big time gaps, which could get one or the other into big trouble so close to the Dolomites.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #14: Alpago - Corvara
Date: Saturday, May 21
Category: Mountain Stage
Length: 210km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Now it's getting serious! Today the first stage with five stars is imminent and takes the riders into the heart of the Dolomites. It follows the route of the Gran Fondos Maratona dles Dolomites. Six categorized climbs with more than 5.500 meters in altitude over 210km - it was an extremely tough day for every single driver in the field. The Passo Pordoi is part of the route again for the first time in eight years, and lies at the end of a 80 km steadily rising passage - but then another five Dolomite passes and thousands of meters of altitude await. The favorites have to perform here today and those who catch a bad day could have to bury their dream of winning the Giro early on. The day's win goes to one of the climbing specialists - we're betting on Mikel Landa's first stage win in the Sky jersey.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #15: Castelrotto – Alpe di Siusi (EZF)
Date: Sunday May 22th
Category: individual time trial
Length: 10,8km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: With the murderously difficult stage of the previous day still in the legs, the third and final time trial is now on the program. The classic mountain time trial over 10,8 km with an average of almost 8% will again ensure decent time intervals between the drivers and one or the other sprinter will certainly give up here. It will also depend on who was able to save some energy on the two days before and what plan you follow for tomorrow's equally demanding stage. Like the day before, the victory goes to a climbing specialist.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #16: Bressanone – Andalo
Date: Tuesday May 24th
Category: Mountain Stage
Length: 133km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The start of the third week takes the field from Brixen to Andalo. There are only 133km on the program, but these are quite a challenge: the Mendola Pass is quite long at 14km, but rises constantly at 6,5% for most of the route and is too far from the finish line to be here anyway could count on decisive attacks from the classification drivers. The situation is different with the Fai della Paganella, the summit of which is less than 10 km from the target and which, with a length of 10 km at 7,5%, certainly offers opportunities for attacks.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #17: Molveno - Cassano d'Adda
Date: Wednesday May 25th
Category: Wavy/Flat
Length: 196km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Today, those sprinters who have made it through so far will be rewarded with another flat stage that will likely be decided in a bunch sprint. After a bumpy start with some climbs, the last 100km of the day are completely flat and offer more than enough time for riders who may have been left behind at the beginning to work their way up again. Here the usual suspects will fight for the day's victory: Kittel, Greipel, Viviani, Modolo and Co.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #18: Muggiò – Pinerolo
Date: Thursday May 26th
Category: flat/wavy
Length: 234km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Before the Giro d'Italia 2016 ends in the Alps, the 18th stage is the longest of this year's tour. The 234km from Muggiò to Pinerolo starts flat before the finale of the Pramartino, which was part of the 2011 Tour de France, for example. The almost 5km rise with consistently more than 10% and are therefore a found treat for drivers like a Valverde, who can fully exploit their punch here. However, whether Valverde will fight for victory here also depends on his position in the overall classification: If the Spaniard is still in the race for the maglia rosa, he will certainly want to save his strength for the next two days.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #19: Pinerolo - Risoul
Date: Friday May 27th
Category: mountain stage (mountain arrival)
Length: 162km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: Grand Finale! Today and tomorrow the final decision about the overall victory in Turin will be made in the Alps – that much is certain. The first of the two Alpine stages takes the riders to France and with the Colle dell'Agnello one of the most difficult climbs of all awaits. The final 10 of the 21km climb at 9,3% and will tear the field apart. The placement of the climb, with the summit almost 60km from the finish, raised eyebrows in the course presentation but could make for an epic finale up to the ski resort of Risoul, where the stage will conclude with the second mountain finish of this year's Giro. On the Colle Dell'Agnello, the favorites will certainly let their helpers work and 'burn away'. So we could expect a gripping showdown between the classification drivers in the finale.
Giro d'Italia 2016 - Stage #20: Guillestre - Sant'Anna di Vinadio
Date: Saturday, May 28
Category: mountain stage (mountain arrival)
Length: 150km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The majority of today's stage is in the French part of the Alps and promises action from start to finish over the 134km. Immediately after the start, it goes up to the Col de Vars (18,3km and 5,7%), where the first attacks will undoubtedly come. This is followed by the seemingly endless Col de la Bonette (22,5km at 6,7%) and the brutal Colle della Lombarda (20km at 7,5%), which takes the riders back over the Italian border. Before the finish in Sant'Anna di Vinadio, another 2,3 km long steep section has to be climbed. No matter what the overall standings look like in the morning, this stage has what it takes to turn everything upside down again. Definitely don't miss it.
Giro d'Italia 2016 – Stage #21: Cuneo – Turin
Date: Sunday May 29th
Category: flat stage
Length: 150km
TV: 14:15 p.m. - 17:30 p.m.
Editor's tip: The last stage after Turin will at best take place under real competition conditions for the sprinters and their teams. Now is the time for the rest of the riders to look back, chat with their fellow riders and soak up the atmosphere one last time before the 2016 Giro d'Italia comes to an end in Italy's fourth largest city.
>>>> Continue to Part #2 of the Preview: Start List, Favorites and Live Streams >>>>
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