The first 80 kilometres aren’t completely flat, but they pale in comparison to what’s in store in the second half of the stage. The bulk of the 3,800 metres of elevation are crammed into the final 106 kilometres.
It all kicks off with the Alpe San Pellegrino – a beast of 13.7 kilometres at an average gradient of 8.8%, featuring ramps of up to 19%. The descent is far less steep, but almost three times as long, giving the legs some respite before the next challenge. The climb to Toano adds up to 11.1 kilometres and averages 4.9%.
The descent from Toano hides two uphill stretches at around 5% – one 1.4 kilometres long, the other 3 kilometres. Once back on the valley floor, a promising finale looms. It starts out with the Pietra di Bismantova – 5.8 kilometres at 5.8% – before the riders descend into the finish town, where, with 2.2 kilometres to go, the road rises for 300 metres at 6.9%. The route then briefly flattens before ramping up again just ahead of the flamme rouge. It’s not overly steep – around 4% – but enough to set the stage for a thrilling battle for the win.
It would be great to see the GC contenders square off in Castelnovo ne’ Monti – and they just might – but chances are it won’t be for the stage win. A more likely scenario sees a group of adventurers being given the nod to fight it out for glory.
Favourites 11th stage 2025 Giro d’Italia
*** Wout Poels, Pello Bilbao, Romain Bardet, Jay Vine
** Wilco Kelderman, Luke Plapp, Paul Double, Igor Arrieta
* Wout van Aert, Georg Steinhauser, Louis Meintjes, Davide Piganzoli
Another interesting read: route 11th stage 2025 Giro.
Giro d’Italia 2025 stage 11: profiles & finale route
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