Giro 2025 Favourites stage 19: King Climbers in Queen Stage

fotobureau Cor VosNearly 5,000 metres of climbing in 166 kilometres — this is truly the Queen Stage. With three major climbs and two smaller ones, stage 19 is a full-on assault on the riders’ bodies. It’s the perfect setting for a GC battle, but also for a breakaway packed with strong climbers.

Along the way, the riders tackle the Croce Serra (11.2 kilometres at 4.6%), Col Tzecore (16 kilometres at 7.7%), Saint-Pantaléon (16.5 kilometres at 7.2%), Col de Joux (15.1 kilometres at 6.9%), and the climb to Antagnod (9.5 kilometres at 4.5%). After crossing the mountain village, they will descend for 5 kilometres to the finish in Champoluc.

It’s an extremely tough test, with only a long stretch through the valley between the first and second climbs; for the rest, it’s one climb after another. It’s certain that the GC battle will rage in stage 19, but whether it will be for the stage win as well is another matter. Obviously, it would be fantastic to see the best riders in the Giro fighting for the stage victory in this stunning setting.

On the other hand, a strong breakaway of climbers — possibly including some riders whose pink jersey dreams have already evaporated — could well slip away early on. Such a group would be hard to control, and with all the climbs ahead, they could build a significant lead. If the gap is big enough by the time they reach the foot of the climb to Antagnod, the winner is likely to emerge from the front group.

Favourites 19th stage 2025 Giro d'Italia

*** Romain Bardet, Thymen Arensman, Max Poole
** Richard Carapaz, Simon Yates, Derek Gee, Damiano Caruso
* Isaac del Toro, Michael Storer, Adam Yates, Giulio Pellizzari

Another interesting read: route 19th stage 2025 Giro.