Giro 2026 Favourites stage 17: Attackers in the Dolomites

fotobureau Cor VosStage 17 of the Giro adds up to 202 kilometres with 3,300 metres of climbing. The finale is not hard enough for GC contenders to make a difference, which opens the door for a the breakaway to succeed. In other words, the stage is expected to open on a furious note... (Slideshow route/profile)

First published on 7 May 2026

The route is flat for the first 55 kilometres, and it is highly likely that a flurry of attacks will come to nothing, before the breakaway eventually forms on the two climbs in the following 35 kilometres. The Passo dei Tre Termini climbs for 8.2 kilometres at an average of 5.9%, and the Cocca di Lodrino for 8.2 kilometres at 4.1%. These are the only categorised climbs en route, but that does not mean the course flattens out afterwards.

After the descent, the road continues to rise very slightly for dozens of kilometres, before the climb to Roncone delivers 4.8 kilometres at an average of 5%. The route then continues much as before, although the road does become a touch steeper — not that it amounts to much. From a false flat, the riders first climb for 2 kilometres at 4%, and after the descent the climb to San Lorenzo Dorsino throws another 2.9 kilometres at 6.4% in the mix.

This is by no means Stelvio territory, but it all contributes to fatigue and will therefore shape the finale. The final section begins in Molveno, just over 18 kilometres from the finish. First, the road climbs for 2.5 kilometres at 5.9% to Rotatoria, before continuing on a false-flat rise towards the finish town of Andalo. The riders do not go straight to the line, but instead tackle a further 2.3-kilometre stretch at 4.5% on the so-called Andalo–Lever climb.

From the summit, there are still just over 10 kilometres to go. The first half is a descent, after which the road rises on a false flat before a 2-kilometre climb at 6.2%, followed by a flat final 1.2 kilometres.

All in all, a race of attrition in which the strongest riders in the breakaway are expected to come to the fore in the finale.

How the stage unfold depends on the standings; we will continue to update this article during the Giro.

Favourites 17th stage 2026 Giro d'Italia

*** Santiago Buitrago, Giulio Ciccone, Marc Soler, Magnus Sheffield
** Andrea Vendrame, Christian Scaroni, Alessandro Pinarello, Will Barta
* Jasper Stuyven, Koen Bouwman, Diego Ulissi, Matteo Sobrero, Niklas Larsen

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Another interesting read: route 17th stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.