Giro 2025 Favourites stage 16: GC showdown at high altitudes

foto: Cor VosA sloppy 5,000 metres of climbing in 203 kilometres. If the Giro ever extends an open invitation to the GC riders to measure themselves against each other, it’s in the 16th stage. (Slideshow route/profile)

Whether they’ll accept that invitation remains to be seen. There’s no doubt they’ll attack each other on the final climb(s), but it’s also possible that a strong breakaway group forms early and fights for the stage win.

Predicting how a race unfolds is difficult — especially in this Giro! — but for simplicity’s sake, let’s assume the riders with pink jersey ambitions will go all out for the stage win in stage 16. In the final 140 kilometres, they’ll have to conquer four giants and a smaller climb. These are the Carbonare (12.9 kilometres at 4.6%), Candriai (10.1 kilometres at 7.6%), Vigo Cavedine (9.1 kilometres at 2.9%), Passo di Santa Barbara (12.7 kilometres at 8.3%), and the climb to San Valentino (17.4 kilometres at 6.4%).

The approach isn’t much to speak of, which might tempt lesser climbers to give it a go. In that case, it’s possible a breakaway group with limited climbing ability forms, leading to a scenario where a GC showdown at high altitudes comes into play. Jumping on the flat to join the break is one thing, but actually finishing it off in the high mountains is a whole different ball game. Enter our favourite scenario: a battle between GC riders.

Wishful thinking? Definitely! Let’s see what happens…

Favourites 16th stage 2025 Giro d’Italia

*** Juan Ayuso, Richard Carapaz, Egan Bernal
** Simon Yates, Derek Gee, Thymen Arensman, Isaac del Toro
* Michael Storer, Primoz Roglic, Romain Bardet, Wout Poels

Another interesting read: route 16th stage 2025 Giro.