Giro 2026 Favourites stage 1: For fast men #1
fotobureau Cor VosThe pink jersey is up for grabs on the opening day of the Giro d’Italia. With a pan-flat route on the menu, it’s almost certain to end up on the shoulders of a sprinter.
(Slideshow route/profile)
Published on 28 April 2026
The riders will take on no more than 500 metres of elevation gain in the Giro’s opening stage, so the first rider in pink should be a fast finisher. Yes, it's not entirely flat and there will be two opportunities to pick up mountain points, but that’s merely to make it possible to award the mountains jersey. Otherwise, it would make little sense to label an overgrown viaduct of 1.1 kilometres at 2.5% as a “climb”.
No, everything about the opening stage screams: bunch sprint! Good news for Groenewegen, of course. The Dutchman has already celebrated four victories this season. Milan will provide serious competition, though. The big Italian has already taken six wins this year, including a stage at Tirreno–Adriatico. The other sprint in Tirreno went to the young Dane Lund Andresen.
The fast men should keep in mind that the finishing straight rises ever so slightly, so timing will be crucial. The final corner comes 300 metres from the line.
We will update this article in the run-up to the Grande Partenza.
Favourites 1st stage 2025 Giro d'Italia
*** Dylan Groenewegen, Jonathan Milan
** Paul Magnier, Tobias Lund Andresen, Ethan Vernon
* Pascal Ackermann, Kaden Groves, Danny van Poppel, Casper van Uden
Also worth a read: route 1st stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.
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