Giro 2019 Favourites stage 16: Mortirolo in exhausting test

The 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia is arguably the hardest task in 2019's first Grand Tour. The gigantic Alpine stage includes an vertical gain of 4,800 metres, while the route amounts to 194 kilometres. (Slideshow route/profile)

Originally, the stage would have been even harder, as the Passo Gavia has been removed due to an avalanche threat. But still, the race will be a war of attrition. Following the start in Lovere, the route covers the Passo della Presolana, Croce di Salven and the Cevo climb before the ascent to Aprica takes the riders to Tirano.

Shortly after a short kick-up the Giro tackles the monstrous Mortirolo. Steep, long and gruelling – the Passo del Mortirolo is 12.1 kilometres and its average slope sits at 10.1%. The riders descend into the valley to head to Ponte di Legno on a section of 15 kilometres with shallow gradients.

That prolonged false flat is going to hurt after such on onslaught. Normally, Thomas De Gendt thrives in these conditions, but the Flemish attacker looks tired this Giro. Furthermore, a clash of GC contenders is more likely than a successful breakaway. Given the ITT on the last day of action, all pre-race favorites will have to put pressure on Primoz Roglic in the mountain stages.

Favourites 16th stage 2019 Giro d’Italia
*** Mikel Landa, Richard Carapaz, Simon Yates
** Miguel Ángel López, Ilnur Zakarin, Hugh Carthy
* Primoz Roglic, Vincenzo Nibali, Giulio Ciccone

Check out the route of stage 16.