The race sets off from Oderzo to enter a flat phase of 30 kilometres. Then La Crosetta kicks in with its 13.3 kilometres at 7.2%. Following an undulating phase shortly after the summit the route descends towards the foot of the Pieve d’Alpago. This is a 4.7 kilometres climb at 6.8%.
Back in the valley, in Ponte nelle Alpi, the race enters a quiet phase. For tens of kilometres the route climbs false flat to the Pieve di Cadore, which is – at 5.7 kilometres and averaging 5.2% – a gentle reminder that the finale is about to begin.
First up, the Passo Cibiana. The 9.6 kilometres climb at 7.8% is crested with 23 kilometres remaining. The first half of it goes downhill, the second half is the finish climb. Which is an interesting one.
The first 5 kilometres climb at 9.8% to Coi before a sharp descent makes way for a short and explosive climb to Refugio Palafavera.
The Zoldo Alto hasn’t been used as a Giro finish since 2005. Back then, Paolo Savoldelli bested Ivan Basso in a two-up sprint at the top.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 18 2023 Giro d’Italia.
Giro d’Italia 2023 stage 18: route, profile, more
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