The first part of the route goes either up or down or short hills before the route serves more gradual climbs in the second half. The first long uphill begins in Paternó, although the gradients remain shallow. The Giro continues on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna and following another uphill at shallow gradients the route descends towards Linguaglossa in the northeast of Sicily.
The black ashen slopes of Mount Etna form the backdrop for a Giro finish for the sixth time, but this year’s ascent from Linguaglossa is unprecedented. The 18.2 kilometres climb at 6.8% serves double digit gradients in the last 3 kilometres.
The last time that the Giro finished on Mount Etna was in 2018. The volcano was tackled from the south and Esteban Chaves took the spoils. The Colombian crossed the line together with his teammate Simon Yates, who moved into the maglia rosa.
Two intermediate sprints – at kilometre 107.4 and kilometre 130.9 – come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds each, while time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line.
Anther interesting read: results 5th stage 2020 Giro d’Italia.
Giro d’Italia 2020 stage 3: routes, profiles, more
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What a terrific route! I’ve done an approximation of it in the opposite direction. The climb out if Linguaglossa could provide the first selection if any favourites overdo it too early. Can’t wait!