Giro 2026 Route stage 7: Formia - Blockhaus

Friday, 15 May – The first proper uphill finish of the Giro d’Italia takes place on the Blockhaus. At 244 kilometres, it is also the longest day in the saddle. The finish line awaits atop a 13.6-kilometre climb averaging 8.4% in the Majella, the highest massif in the Apennines.

Last updated 11 May 2026: weather forecast added

Suited for: climbers and GC contenders
Key points: iconic mountain top finish, 4,600 metres of climbing

As the riders travel on predominantly flat roads to Colli al Volturno, the first 135 kilometres are relatively straightforward. Then comes the ascent to Rionero Sannitico, a perfect warm-up for the suffering ahead: 9.5 kilometres at an average of 5%.

The climb tops out at roughly 1,000 metres above sea level. Following the short descent to Castel di Sangro, the road rises over 6.9 kilometres at 6.5% to Roccaraso. Without a significant drop, the route continues across a plateau, with the Passo Forchetta throwing in 1.9 kilometres at 7.1%, before descending to the foot of Passo San Leonardo, an 8.4-kilometre climb at 3.1%.

Following a relatively long downhill, the riders cover 10 kilometres through the lower regions of the Majella massif to Roccamorice. Then the finishing ascent kicks in. The Blockhaus stretches 13.6 kilometres at an average of 8.4%, with the last 10 kilometres even steeper at 9.4%.

The winner at the Blockhaus follows in the footsteps of the likes of Eddy Merckx (1967), Franco Bitossi (1968), José Manuel Fuente (1972), Moreno Argentin (1984), Ivan Basso (2006), Franco Pellizotti (2009), Nairo Quintana (2017), and Jai Hindley (2022).

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 7th stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.

Time bonuses of 6, 4 and 2 seconds are up for grabs at the intermediate sprint at kilometre 232.1; at the finish line, 10, 6 and 4 await the first three riders.

Weather forecast:
Start: 17°C, rainy with sunny intervals, south-westerly wind (force 4)
Finish: 13°C, sunny, south-westerly wind (force 3)

We update the weather forecast on the morning of the stage. For the current weather conditions along the route, you can use the interactive weather map in the slideshow.

Stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia starts at 10:45 and is expected to finish at around 17:10 - both local times (CEST). For details, see the timings in the slideshow below this article.

Another interesting read: favourites to win at the Blockhaus.