Giro 2026 Route stage 20: Gemona del Friuli - Piancavallo

Saturday, 30 May – At 200 kilometres, the Giro's penultimate stage is effectively split into two parts. After a flat opening with a few mid-stage hills, the riders tackle the climb to Piancavallo twice. It rises for 14.5 kilometres at an average gradient of 7.8%, with the first half by far the steepest. The route takes in 3,750 metres of climbing.

Latest update 7 May: time bonuses added

For: climbers, GC contenders
Key features: the Giro winner is decided at the line

After the start in Gemona del Friuli, the riders head over flat roads to Forgaria del Friuli, where they can warm up their climbing legs on a 1.3 kilometres ramp at 8.5%. Not long after, the route ascends for 6.9 kilometres at 5.7% to Clauzetto. A flat section then leads towards the double ascent of Piancavallo.

Piancavallo is the ski resort in the mountains above Aviano. To reach it, the riders tackle 1,131 metres of climbing over 14.5 kilometres, resulting in an average gradient of 7.8%. The first 6 kilometres carry by far the greatest challenge, as this section climbs at 9.4%, with the sixth kilometre averaging 11.6%. Up to kilometre 9 it remains tough, after which the gradient eases steadily.

After the first passage in Piancavallo, the riders descend roughly 16 kilometres to Lago di Barcis, before continuing gently downhill to Aviano. Then the Piancavallo climb begins again, this time serving as the Giro's ultimate ascent.

The Giro last visited Piancavallo in 2020. On that occasion, Tao Geoghegan Hart outsprinted Wilco Kelderman and Jai Hindley, while João Almeida lost some time but retained the pink jersey. One week later, Geoghegan Hart was crowned overall winner in Milan, ahead of Hindley and Kelderman.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 20th stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.

Time bonuses of 6, 4 and 2 seconds are up for grabs at the intermediate sprint at kilometre 176.3; at the finish line, 10, 6 and 4 await the first three riders.

Stage 20 of the Giro d’Italia starts at 10:45 and is expected to finish at around 16:00 - both local times (CEST). For details, see the timings in the slideshow below this article.

Another interesting read: favourites to win in Piancavallo.