From the start, the road climbs gently. Not steep, more of a persistent drag. After about 10 kilometres, the road rises at a steady 5% for a while, but most of the time it’s a false flat drag that goes on for dozens of kilometres. All in all, it’s a perfect setting for a fiery battle for a spot in the breakaway.
After 55 kilometres, the false flat gives way to serious climbing. The Passo Tonale rises for 15.2 kilometres at an average of 6%. In a descent of over 20 kilometres, the riders then reach the foot of the Passo del Mortirolo, a brutal 12.6-kilometre climb with an average gradient of 7.6%. The last 2.6 kilometres kick up to 9.6% — on average!
The Mortirolo is likely to see breakaway riders putting pressure on each other, leaving only the best climbers at the top. There are still nearly 50 kilometres to go at that point.
The descent is technical and even steeper than the ascent, so breakaway riders can test their rivals there too. Once in the Adda Valley, the route continues upstream towards Bormio. But just before entering the finishing venue, the riders take a detour. A short climb to Le Motte spices up the finale, with 3.1 kilometres at 8.2%. As the riders pass through the village, only 8.9 kilometres remain, mostly downhill.
There’s always a chance that the GC riders will be inspired by the route and go for the stage win, but since the long and hard climbs come far from the finish, we expect a breakaway rider to take the victory in Bormio. Especially considering the tough start, it’s likely that the breakaway will consist of strong climbers. Don’t be surprised if the decisive move comes as late as the Tonale.
How the race unfolds depends on the standings, so we’ll update this article during the Giro.
Favourites 17th stage 2025 Giro d’Italia
*** Romain Bardet, Wout Poels, Pello Bilbao, Richard Carapaz
** Derek Gee, Tom Pidcock, David Gaudu, Louis Meintjes, Max Poole
* Juan Ayuso, Primoz Roglic, Giulio Ciccone, Simon Yates, Michael Storer
Another interesting read: route 17th stage 2025 Giro.
Giro d’Italia 2025 stage 17: profiles & finale route
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