Giro 2017 Route stage 18: Moena

Giro 2017 Route stage 18: Moena - Ortisei

Thursday, 25 May 2017 - Stage 18 in the Giro d'Italia is the third tough mountain challenge in a row. At 137 kilometres, the route from Moena to Ortisei takes in five impressive peaks.

The first challenge is Passo Pordoi. The ascent begins in Canazei, arrival to stage 17, and leads to an elevation of 2,239 metres. The Pordoi is 11.8 kilometres at 6.7%. The pass is a paragon of steadiness.

The second climb, Passo Valparola, tells a similar story – 12.9 kilometres at 6%. Yet, the last kilometre is slightly steeper, featuring the steepest ramp of 14%.

Following the descent, the road goes quickly back up again. The lower slopes of the Passo Gardena are the easiest with a 2.1% percentage for the first kilometre, although the second kilometre goes up at 8.3%. After this the Gardena cools out – the 9.3 kilometres climb is averaging 6.4%.

After cresting the Gardena a long drop of 40 kilometres is divided in two by the Passo di Pinei. At 4.25 kilometres this is a short and irregular climb. The middle section is toughest with ramps up to 15% and an average percentage of 8.4%.

Down in the valley the fifth climb of the day awaits the riders. The ascent to Ortisei is 9.3 kilometres with 6.9% in average – a harsh task given the hard day in the saddle. The lower slopes are devious with gradients of 4% going up to 6% later on. A guy with a hammer is lying in ambush in the last 3 kilometres of the actual climb, which is averaging a stunning 9.3%.

Are we done yet? No not quite. The 9.3% section continues onto a 3 kilometres false flat followed by a section of 500 metres that is averaging 6.2% with a steepest ramp of 13%. Still 500 metres to go to the finish. This final descent is rather technical; the streets of Ortisei are not only narrow, they are covered with cobbles as well (see also streetview in slideshow below).

The famous music producer Giorgio Moroder was born in today’s arrival place.

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while the last intermediate sprint (at kilometre 71.5) comes with 3, 2 and 1 seconds.

Results/race report 18th stage 2017 Giro d’Italia.