The first part of the 17th stage features two massive ascents. Both the Forcella Valbona and the Monte Bondone are more than 20 kilometres long. Given the length of the climbs, the average gradients are firm as well – 6.6% and 6.8%, respectively.
When the riders come down from the Bondone there are still 60 kilometres to go. The breakaway’s lead will be solid indicator of their chances to survive all they way to the line. And whether there are any exceptional climbers on board.
The last part of the race is less hard. The Passo Durone is a 10.4 kilometres climb at 6%, while the finish climb is 15.5 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 5.9%. But with the Forcella Valbona and the Monte Bondone in the legs it will feel harder than it sounds on paper. Especially since the 20 kilometres before the final ascent run false flat uphill.
Favourites 17th stage 2020 Giro d’Italia
** Wilco Kelderman, Jai Hindley
** Jakob Fuglsang, Rafal Majka, Vincenzo Nibali
* Ilnur Zakarin, Patrick Konrad, Fausto Masnada, Tao Geoghegan Hart
Another interesting read: route stage 17 Giro d’Italia.