The race sets off from Oderzo to enter a flat phase of 30 kilometres. Then La Crosetta kicks in with its 11.6 kilometres at 7.1%. Following an undulating phase shortly after the summit the route descends towards the foot of the hill on which Pieve d’Alpago is perched. This is a 3.4 kilometres climb at 5.4%.
Back in the valley, in Ponte nelle Alpi, the race enters a more quiet phase. For tens of kilometres the route climbs false flat to the ascent to Pieve di Cadore, which is – at 7.3 kilometres and averaging 4.8% – a gentle reminder that the finale is about to begin.
First up, the Forcella Cibiana. The 9.6 kilometres climb at 7.8% is crested with 25.8 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 more moderate climb to Refugio Palafavera in Zoldo Alto. It’s 2.7 kilometres long and goes up at 6.4%.
The Zoldo Alto climb 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.
The second intermediate sprint comes with time bonuses of 3, 2 and 1 seconds, while 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 18 2023 Giro d’Italia.
Another interesting read: results 18th stage 2023 Giro.
Giro d’Italia 2023 stage 18: route, profile, more
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