Giro 2024 Favourites stage 20: Last chance for climbers

foto: Cor VosAltough the finale is downhill, the penultimate stage of the Giro offers the climbers the last chance to shine. At 184 kilometres, the riders tackle an elevation gain of 4,200 metres, mostly in the double ascend of Monte Grappa, while the finish lies 21.4 kilometres after the last summit. Is Pogacar going to leave his final mark? (Slideshow route/profile)

The Slovene already has the overall victory secured, so the big question is whether he wants to highlight his performance with a final stage win. The answer is probably en even bigger yes.

That said, Pogacar is not the only GC rider in the Giro, and the battle for the podium spots is just as interesting. So, let’s hope for a showdown among the top contenders on Monte Grappa. Whether it will be for the stage win or not, that’s a different story altogether.

The climbing is intense in stage 20. Following a flat to rolling run-up – with the Muro di Cà del Poggio standing out at 1 kilometre at 12.1% – the riders tackle Monte Grappa for the first time after almost 90 kilometres in the saddle. The 18.1 kilometres long alpine giant ascends at 8.1% and is served up twice. The descent is spiced up with Il Pianaro, a ramp of 1.5 kilometres at 9%.

The riders plunge down to Bassano del Grappa, only to do it all over again. Il Pianaro is crested for the second and last time with 21.4 kilometres remaining. That’s all downhill, except for the last 3 kilometres.

Favourites 20th stage 2024 Giro d’Italia

*** Tadej Pogacar
** Romain Bardet, Thymen Arensman, Daniel Felipe Martínez
* Damiano Caruso, Geraint Thomas, Nairo Quintana, Einer Rubio, Rafal Majka

Another interesting read: route 20th stage 2024 Giro.