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Preview of the Giro d'Italia 2024 | Will anyone be able to give Pogacar a hard time?

Cycling
by Hendrik Boermans
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 at 10:55
tadej pogacar
The 2024 Giro d'Italia looks set to be a showdown titled 'Tadej Pogacar vs. the Rest'. The Slovenian star from UAE-Team Emirates is set to make his debut, and with no formidable rivals in sight, the big question is how dominant he will be in the first grand tour of the year. Will he be the first rider ever to don the pink jersey from start to finish? How many stages can he claim, and how much is he aiming to win? IDLProCycling.com breaks down the entire route for you, shedding light on the challenges that await Pogacar and his competitors starting May 4th.
This marks the 107th edition of the Tour of Italy. If Pogacar reaches Rome, it might seem like the winner is already decided. However, the Giro is famous for its unpredictability. In Italy, the roads can be treacherous, unexpected weather can wreak havoc, dark horse contenders can rise, and the grueling long stages are sure to take a toll on the riders' legs
Giro boss Mauro Vegni has a list of past winners that is quite impressive. Last year it was Primoz Roglic, but over the past decade, legends like Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Nairo Quintana, and Alberto Contador have also triumphed. Vegni would love to add Pogacar to this list, which seems to be the goal.
Since the Slovenian also wants to race the Tour de France, the Giro has tempted him with a theoretically less challenging course than usual. Moreover, there will be quite a bit of time trialing, many stages with punchy finishes, and Pogi can make a difference in the well-known mountain stages in the third week. But as we've said: the Giro is the Giro. Maybe Pogacar won't win, and we'll see a fiery battle all the way to Rome.

Practical information Giro d'Italia 2024

  • Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 26, 2024
  • Participants
  • Classification: 2.UWT
In this article
  • Recent winners
  • Route, climbs and times
  • Favorites for the stage wins

Recent winners of the Giro d'Italia

2023 Primoz Roglic
2022 Jai Hindley
2021 Egan Bernal
2020 Tao Geoghegan Hart
2019 Richard Carapaz
2018 Chris Froome
2017 Tom Dumoulin
2016 Vincenzo Nibali
2015 Alberto Contador
2014 Nairo Quintana

Giro d'Italia 2024: Route, times and favorites daily wins

Stage 1, Saturday, May 4, 2024: Venaria Reale - Torino (140 km)

This year's Grande Partenza is set in Turin, a city familiar with the Giro d'Italia. This northern Italian city is a frequent host and has a beautiful stage in store on the opening day. The stage immediately features three categorized climbs, including the Superga, once a decisive challenge in the Milan-Turin race. Particularly interesting is a steep little bump near the finish line. This new addition, with its double-digit gradient percentages, was added just two days before Tadej Pogacar was announced as a participant. It's perfect for Pogi but also suits many other punchy riders.
Climbs
48.4 km: Berzano di San Pietro (2.8 km at 5.3%)
78.5 km: Superga (8.2 km at 4.3%)
118.1 km: Colle Maddalena (6.5 km at 7.0%)
Times
Start: 1:55 PM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates)
Daniel Felipe Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe)
Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL)

Stage 2, Sunday, May 5, 2024: San Francesco al Campo - Santuario di Oropa (161 km)

Tom Dumoulin, are you watching? The Dutch rider will certainly remember the finish of this Giro's second stage, where he triumphed in 2017 wearing the pink jersey on the cobblestones to the finish line. The climb to Santuario di Oropa, last used in 2019 when Egan Bernal clinched victory in the Gran Piemonte, makes its comeback, potentially setting the stage for Pogacar to win in pink just as Dumoulin did seven years ago...
Climbs
122.7 km: Oasi Zegna (5.7 km at 5.1%)
137.4 km: Nelva (3.2 km at 6.6%)
161.0 km: Santuario di Oropa (11.8 km at 6.1%)
Times
Start: 1:05 PM
Finish: around 5:13 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates)
Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)
Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL)

Stage 3, Monday, May 6, 2024: Novara - Fossano (166 km)

The third stage is a tricky one. Along the way, there's only one fourth-category climb, but the final stretch includes a few bumps that could challenge the day's sprinters. A 1.8 km stretch at just over 4% might not be a problem for some, but it could mean that the better-climbing sprinters will battle it out for victory over those who prefer a flat, wide road...
Climb
58.1 km: Masio (3.8 km at 3.8%)
Times
Start: 1:25 PM
Finish: around 5:12 PM
Favorites
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)
Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step)

Stage 4, Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Acqui Terme - Andora (190 km)

After three relatively short stages, on the fourth day, riders face a 190-kilometer stage. The difficulty lies mainly in the first half, which includes another tricky climb near the end. The Colle del Melogno is long but not very steep, similar to the wall of 1.8 kilometers at 4.4 percent towards the end. Nonetheless, this setup has punchers eager for action.
Climb
88.1 km: Colle del Melogno (8.9 km at 4.3%)
Times
Start: 12:35 PM
Finish: around 5:14 PM
Favorites
Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)
Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ)

Stage 5, Wednesday, May 8, 2024: Genova - Lucca (179 km)

The fifth stage finishes in one of Tuscany's most picturesque towns, but before potentially sprinting to the finish, riders must overcome two small climbs. These are not significant by name, and for the first time, the organizers have opted for a flat finish.
Climbs
63.1 km: Passo del Bracco (15.2 km at 3.9%)
157.8 km: Montemagno (3.0 km at 4.3%)
Times
Start: 1 PM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step)
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL)

Stage 6, Thursday, May 9, 2024: Torre del Lago Puccini - Rapolano Terme (180 km)

The race heads into the heart of Tuscany, synonymous with Strade Bianche. Although the race doesn't reach Siena this day, it does traverse the stunning Tuscan landscapes. Approaching the finish in Rapolano Terme, there are two gravel sections, one totaling 9.2 kilometers and another of 2.4 kilometers, with the finish line positioned atop a hill, potentially giving attackers a chance to break away from the peloton.
Climbs
80.4 km: Volterra (9.8 km at 4.2%)
140.4 km: Grotti (2.5 km at 6.0%)
Times
Start: 12:55 PM
Finish: around 5:13 PM
Favorites
Attila Valter (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick Step)
Andrea Piccolo (EF Education-EasyPost)

Stage 7, Friday, May 10, 2024: Foligno - Perugia (40.6 km, time trial)

It's been a while since such a long time trial was included in a grand tour. A 40.6-kilometer individual time trial, with the final 6.6 kilometers uphill, will significantly shake up the general classification. Lighter riders may struggle, while powerhouses like Pogacar could gain substantial time on their rivals.
Climb
40.6 km: Perugia (6.5 km at 4.0%, first 1.3 km at 10.7%)
Times
Start first rider: 1 p.m.
Finish last rider: around 5:09 p.m.
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates)
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers)

Stage 8, Saturday, May 11, 2024: Spoleto - Prati di Tivo (152 km)

One day after the grueling time trial to Perugia, the first serious uphill test will follow. Prati di Tivo is a bit different from Oropa or a gravel road... 14.7 kilometers at 7 percent average, with a short and a challenging route towards the foot of the final climb. It's another opportunity to gain time, particularly for those who suffered losses the previous day. And who will compete for the day's victory? Pogacar and co, or the escapees?
Climbs
37.1 km: Forca Capistrello (16.4 km at 5.6%)
112.6 km: Croce Abbio (7.5 km at 4.9%)
152.0 km: Prati di Tivo (14.7 km at 7.0%)
Times
Start: 12:45 PM
Finish: around 5:14 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates)
Wout Poels (Bahrain Victorious)
Simon Carr (EF Education-EasyPost)

Stage 9, Sunday, May 12, 2024: Avezzano - Napoli (214 km)

The next stage might feel like a leisurely walk. After two grueling days, the organizers have a 214-kilometer stretch lined up towards Naples before the first rest day arrives. Heading towards the Italian city, the race is on, but who will be eager to push the pace early on? Once Monte di Procida emerges after about 175 kilometers, the pace will surely pick up, as the infamous walls around Naples await.
Climbs
178.3 km: Monte di Procida (16.4 km at 5.6%)
Times
Start: 12:15 PM
Finish: around 5:29 PM
Favorites
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty)
Filippo Zana (Jayco-AlUla)
Jan Tratnik (Visma | Lease a Bike)

Stage 10, Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Pompei - Cusano Mutri (142 km)

After a well-deserved rest day, the Giro peloton picks up the pace with a mountain stage. While the distance might suggest a short day in the saddle, the elevation gain will complicate matters. The riders start in the stunning Pompeii, followed by a flat lead-in phase. Around seventy kilometers in, the road starts to really ascend, shortly followed by the climb of Camposauro. The delicious finale is the climb towards Cusano Mutri, a picturesque town in the province of Benevento. This final climb is a tough one, so riders must stay alert!
Climbs
82.5 km: Camposauro (6.2 km at 7.5%)
142.0 km: Cusano Mutri (18.0 km at 5.6%)
Times
Start: 1:05 PM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Koen Bouwman (Visma | Lease a Bike)

Stage 11, Wednesday, May 15, 2024: Foiano di val Fortore - Francavilla al mare (207 km)

Stage eleven should be one for the sprinters again. The 207-kilometer journey features just one real obstacle, and that too right at the start of the stage—the climb of Pietracatella. Some sprinters are likely to be dropped here, but there's more than enough time to catch up and prepare for a sprint through the streets of Francavilla al mare, or Francavilla by the sea!
Climb
48.4 km: Pietracatella (7.8 km at 5.7%)
Times
Start: 12:05 PM
Finish: around 5:10 PM
Favorites
Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step)
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL)  

Stage 12, Thursday, May 16, 2024: Martinsicuro - Fano (193 km)

A very tricky stage, one that seems perfect for a day of attacks! On paper, the hills may not seem high, but in reality, they range from 5.5% to 8.1% gradients. And that's from kilometer 55 to 170. Who will finish it off after a rapid descent in Fano?
Climbs
93.2 km: Osimo (1.3km at 5.5%)
126.8 km: Monsano (1.8km at 6.0%)
138.4 km: Ostra (1.0km at 9.2%)
150.6 km: La Croce (1.5km at 6.7%)
Times
Start: 12:25 PM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Christian Scaroni (Astana Qazaqstan)
Filippo Zana (Jayco-AlUla)
Michael Storer (Tudor)

Stage 13, Friday, May 17, 2024: Riccione - Cento (179 km)

Flatter than this is hard to find. It is very likely that sprinters who benefit most from an ultra-flat sprint stage have this stage marked in dark red in their personal route books. Between Riccione and Cento - two towns located in the Emilia-Romagna region - the competing riders cover 179 kilometers. A sprint finish seems almost inevitable, as the total elevation gain is less than 150 meters, unless some incredibly strong breakaway riders manage to escape...
Climbs
None
Times
Start: 1 PM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)

Stage 14, Saturday, May 18, 2024: Castiglione delle Stiviere - Desenzano del Garda (31.2 km, time trial)

For the second time in this three-week race through 'the boot' of Italy, it's time for an individual time trial! While the first time trial included some elevation, this time it's practically flat. Between Castiglione delle Stiviere and Desenzano del Garda, the riders cover 31.2 kilometers, predominantly on a slight descent. Thus, the pure time trialists can therefore certainly indulge themselves.
Climbs
None
Times
Start first rider: 1:20 PM
Finish last rider: around 5:09 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers)
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)

Stage 15, Sunday, May 19, 2024: Manerba del Garda - Livigno (222 km)

A monstrous stage to close out the second week, serving as a preview of what's to come in the third week... 222 (!) kilometers, with the finish up in the popular training location of Livigno.A climb in the shape of a two-stage rocket, familiar to many in the peloton. But do not underestimate the climbs leading up to the finale. Will a GC team want to control the day, or will the better climbers with some time to make up start their mission for a stage victory here?
Climbs
37.7 km: Lodrino (7.3 km at 4.5%)
64.7 km: Colle di San Zeno (13.9 km at 6.6%)
155.4 km: Passo del Mortirolo (12.8 km at 7.5%)
213.3 km: Passo di Foscagno (15.0 km at 6.3%)
222.0 km: Livigno (4.7 km at 7.3%)
Times
Start: 10:40 AM
Finish: around 4:10 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech)
Nairo Quintana (Movistar)

Stage 16, Tuesday, May 21, 2024: Livigno - Santa Cristina Valgardena (202 km)

After the second and final rest day, the riders kick off the third week with a lighter mountain stage. The Stelvio is a legendary appointment, but beyond that, it's mainly the finale that demands caution. Indeed, the gradients in a new two-stage rocket regularly soar towards 15 percent! The big question once again: will a GC contender aim for the win, or will this type of stage be one for the breakaway specialists?
Climbs
53.4 km: Passo dello Stelvio (20.2 km at 7.2%)
190.0 km: Passo Pinei (23.4 km at 4.7%)
202.0 km: Monte Pana (7.6 km at 6.1%)
Times
Start: 11:35 AM
Finish: around 5:12 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Juan Pedro López (Lidl-Trek)
Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma | Lease a Bike)

Stage 17, Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Selva di Val Gardena - Passo Brocon (159 km)

Here, the GC contenders normally wouldn't risk too much. There might be differences on the final climb, but does anyone dare to attack from the start, knowing there's more to come in the following days? More likely, it's an increasingly fierce battle to get into the breakaway, with better climbers who have already lost ground in the GC seeing their chance. A short stage of 159 kilometers lends itself perfectly to this, with constant ups and downs from start to finish...
Climbs
8.9 km: Passo Sella (8.9 km at 7.4%)
67.6 km: Passo Rolle (19.8 km at 4.8%)
100.4 km: Passo Gobbera (5.8 km at 5.8%)
122.2 km: Passo Brocon (13.3 km at 6.5%)
159.0 km: Passo Brocon (12.2 km at 6.4%)
Times
Start: 12:30 PM
Finish: around 5:11 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)

Stage 18, Thursday, May 23, 2024: Fiera di Primiero - Padova (159 km)

A wonderful day for the peloton to catch their breath, and for sprinters to briefly escape their mountain ordeal. Just one climb for show, but mainly a rapid descent towards Padova. Here, the fast men get their penultimate chance in this Giro!
Climb
17.6 km: Lamon (3.5 km at 5.6%)
Times
Start: 1:10 PM
Finish: around 5:13 PM
Favorites
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)

Stage 19, Friday, May 24, 2024: Mortegliano - Sappada (157 km)

The penultimate chance to make differences, but is it challenging enough for the big names to do so? For the attackers, it's a playground, though they'll typically need to survive a storm of attacks in the first ninety 'flat' kilometers before the climbing starts. An interesting day full of powerhouses versus the better climbers? The flat run to the finish leaves all scenarios open.
Climbs
104.9 km: Passo Duron (4.4 km at 9.6%)
121.7 km: Sella Valcalda (6.5 km at 5.9%)
150.8 km: Cima Sappada (7.4 km at 5.4%)
Times
Start: 1:10 PM
Finish: around 5:12 PM
Favorites
Andrea Bagioli (Lidl-Trek)
Tobias Foss (INEOS Grenadiers)
Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)

Stage 20, Saturday, May 25, 2024: Alpago - Bassano del Grappa (184 km)

Everything comes down to the last mountain stage in the Giro, although it could very well already be decided by then. Climbing the notoriously steep Monte Grappa twice gives the riders a chance to either make amends or go for a stage win. For the first time in this Giro (!), the finish is located at the bottom after a long climb, adding an extra element to the finale.
Climbs
106.1 km: Monte Grappa (18.1 km at 8.1%)
153.3 km: Monte Grappa (18.1 km at 8.1%)
Times
Start: 11:50 AM
Finish: around 5:15 PM
Favorites
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
Romain Bardet (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)

Stage 21, Sunday, May 26, 2024: Roma - Roma (125 km)

Unfortunately, there's no explosive final day, but rather a parade through Rome. It's a great opportunity for the sprinters who have managed to survive all the climbing.
Climbs
None
Times
Start: 3:35 PM
Finish: around 6:43 PM
Favorites
Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL)
Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
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