Cycling: Actually, the Giro d'Italia 2020 should have taken place in May of this year. But due to the corona pandemic, the entire racing calendar has been postponed from March. The Tour of Italy will now take place from October 3rd to 25th. We look at the stage profiles, the route and the participating teams.
Giro d'Italia 2020: All 3 wildcards go to Italy
19 WorldTour teams are seeded for the 2020 Giro d'Italia grid. And actually, the French team Total Direct Énergie would have had a starting place thanks to their overall victory in the second division. But the team did without a wildcard. So the Giro organizer RCS Sport was able to distribute all three additional starting authorizations to Italian teams. So now at the Giro d'Italia 2020 in October we get to see Androni - Giocattoli - Sidermec, Bardiani - CSF - Faizanè and Vini Zabù - KTM. The three second division teams have to compete with the best drivers in the world. In the Italian autumn at least these teams will already have the Tour de France under their belts. In addition, the Giro/Vuelta combination is not possible this season, as both tours overlap slightly due to the lack of dates.
The 22 participating teams
- AG2R La Mondiale (France)
- Androni – Giocattoli – Sidermec (Italy)
- Astana (Kazakhstan)
- Bahrain – McLaren (Bahrain)
- Bardiani – CSF – Faizanè (Italy)
- Bora – hansgrohe (Germany)
- CCC (Poland)
- Cofidis (France)
- Deceuninck – Quick-Step (Belgium)
- EF Pro Cycling (US)
- Groupama – FDJ (France)
- Ineos (UK)
- Israel Start Up Nation (Israel)
- Jumbo – Visma (Netherlands)
- Lotto – Soudal (Belgium)
- Mitchelton – Scott (Australia)
- Movistar (Spain)
- NTT Pro Cycling (South Africa)
- Sunweb (Germany)
- Trek - Segafredo (USA)
- UAE Team Emirates (UAE)
- Vini Zabu – KTM (Italy)
The route of the 103rd Giro d'Italia
The 103rd Giro d'Italia should have started rolling in Budapest, Hungary, in May. After the postponement of the date until October, the organizers had to change at least the beginning of the route. Unfortunately, this year's event will not take place in Hungary can start. Instead, the pros will tackle the Grand Tour on the first four days in Sicily. After that, the Giro should be carried out as originally planned. At least five mountain stages and probably three time trials await the pros. As usual, the final week is something to behold. The fans can also look forward to seeing Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe). The three-time world champion will even forego parts of the classic season for the 2020 Giro d'Italia. If we look at the track profiles, this is quite understandable. Because some stages should suit Peter Sagan perfectly.
All stages of the Giro d'Italia 2020 at a glance
Stage #1: Monreale – Palermo
Date: October 3, 2020
Length: 15,0 km
Type: Individual Time Trial
The 2020 Giro d'Italia begins with a 15,0-kilometer individual time trial on the Mediterranean island of Sicily. After a short uphill climb, the route leads the riders downhill to the finish line. Only a good time trialist can take on the Maglia Rosa at the start.
Stage #2: Alcamo - Agrigento
Date: October 4, 2020
Length: 150,0 km
Type: hill stage
Actually, the goal in Agrigento should have been headed for on day #4 of this year's Tour of Italy. But now this arrival for the puncheur is already waiting for the pros. It is therefore also clear that there will be a new overall leader on the second day. The classification drivers must be vigilant and should not lose any time.
Stage #3: Enna - Etna
Date: October 5, 2020
Length: 150,0 km
Type: mountain stage
Etna has to be conquered again this year in the Giro d'Italia. But the pros have never faced the highest active volcano in Europe so early. The enormously long ascent will provoke a veritable fireworks display for the favorites. Especially those who come out of the Tour de France in good shape should be able to convert their (still) good legs into a top result. If you postpone your form peak in the last Giro week, you shouldn't lose a lot of time today. In any case, the stage victory can only go to one of the best climbers in the world. And the Maglia Rosa will probably change shoulders again.
Stage #4: Catania – Villafranca Tirrena
Date: October 6, 2020
Length: 140 km
Type: flat stage
Even if the Portella Mandrazzi stands in the way of the professionals in the province of Messina today, the first classic mass sprint of the tour will probably take place at the finish. Because after the tough mountain stage the day before, hardly any of the favorites will aim for such a long escape to the finish line. If the sprinters' helpers stay together, they will easily catch up with the escape group after crossing the summit. The result is a classic Sprint Royal. However, if the hill-savvy sprinters – such as Peter Sagan and Michael Matthews – want to get rid of the pure sprinters, they have the best opportunity to do so in the middle of the stage. But then a hard day with a lot of work awaits their helpers...
Stage #5: Mileto - Camigliatello Silano
Date: October 7, 2020
Length: 225 km
Type: hill stage
With a length of 225 kilometers and a lot of ups and downs, an extremely tough section awaits the pros today. Therefore, although the finish line will not be painted on the crest of the last climb, there should be significant lags. It's a "You can't win the Tour today, but you can lose it" day. The breakaways should have the best chance of winning the stage for the first time today.
Stage #6: Castrovillari - Matera
Date: October 8, 2020
Length: 188 km
Type: flat stage
Even if today's section is classified as a flat stage, it is not that easy. The classic sprinters in particular could have their problems on the way to Matera. The Millotta climb around 26 kilometers before the finish line should be used for attacks and thus cause difficulties for the fast men. Getting to the finish line over the last few kilometers isn't that easy either. In top form, the stage is actually perfect for riders like Peter Sagan and Michael Matthews.
Stage #7: Matera – Brindisi
Date: October 9, 2020
Length: 143 km
Type: flat stage
Let's be clear: not much will happen today. If you only want to watch the highlights of the Giro d'Italia 2020, you probably won't turn on the TV today. In fact, from Matera to Brindisi there are 143 absolutely flat kilometers to cover. If the wind isn't making it exciting, this stage should win the award for the most boring part of this tour. After all, we can expect an exciting Sprint Royale at the finish. tear away? Pointless today!
Stage #8: Giovinazzo – Vieste
Date: October 10, 2020
Length: 200 km
Type: hill stage
Today's section is a bit more demanding than yesterday. Nevertheless, we could experience the same outcome of the race. Because a mass sprint also seems likely in Vieste. The breakaways will only have a chance if they are numerous and have a lead of more than ten minutes in the middle of the race.
Stage #9: San Salvo – Roccaraso
Date: October 11, 2020
Length: 207 km
Type: mountain stage
Before the rest day, a very interesting and easy section awaits us. It is difficult to assess whether one or the other breakaway in front of the peloton will survive. Even if it's constantly up and down, the stage is probably not selective enough for the ranking riders.
Stage #10: Lanciano – Tortoreto
Date: October 13, 2020
Length: 177 km
Type: hill stage
After the first rest day, the Giro d'Italia continues with a stage for the escapees. Anyone who has worked out a good strategy the day before has an advantage today. The sprinters may not like the numerous waves, which is why their helpers will probably not do everything to force a sprint.
Stage #11: Porto Sant'Elpidio - Rimini
Date: October 14, 2020
Length: 182 km
Type: flat stage
Mass Sprint in Rimini! The classic sprinter types are just waiting for days like this. The entire team will be at the service of their sprint star today - and with success. The breakaways are followed in a controlled manner throughout the stage and finally caught in time before the finish line in Rimini. In addition to a thrilling Sprint Royal, we can expect great scenic shots.
Stage #12: Cesenatico - Cesenatico
Date: October 15, 2020
Length: 204 km
Type: hill stage
Today's leg of the Giro d'Italia 2020 is perfect for the breakaways. The class riders won't let their cards be looked at today and the ups and downs over more than 200 kilometers are just too much for the sprinters. The wildcard teams in particular will try to send at least one professional into the group and land a surprise coup.
Stage #13: Cervia – Monselice
Date: October 16, 2020
Length: 192 km
Type: hill stage
Sagan vs. Matthews could also be called today. Because of their participation in the Giro d'Italia 2020, the two top riders are doing without numerous classics. They will be all the more motivated to achieve some successes here in Italy. Today's stage is perfect for that. The two small hills before the finish won't stop them, but it could put some competing sprinters behind. Also, the outliers must be kept in check. If that succeeds, both have the best chance of (another) stage victory.
Stage #14: Conegliano – Valdobbiadene
Date: October 17, 2020
Length: 34,1 km
Type: Individual Time Trial
In the 34,1 kilometer individual time trial from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, the focus is on the classification riders. Even if the course is slightly bumpy, top qualities are required in the fight against the clock. Pure climbers are at risk of falling behind, which can only be made up for with a lot of work in the high mountains. One of the best time trialists in the world will win the day's victory.
Stage #15: Base Aerea Rivolto – Piancavallo
Date: October 18, 2020
Length: 185 km
Type: mountain stage
Before the second day of rest, the classification drivers have to put all their cards on the table again. Four tough mountains are on the program, with the first three of them unlikely to cause any attacks among the top favorites. In the final ascent, however, things will get down to business, precisely because everyone knows about tomorrow's rest day. Pros, who had their peak at the beginning of the Giro, will probably reveal weaknesses for the first time today.
Stage #16: Udine – San Daniele del Friuli
Date: October 20, 2020
Length: 229 km
Type: hill stage
The stage after the second and final rest day is a clear affair for the escapees. Knowing what challenges are still waiting for them in the coming days, the ranking drivers will keep their feet still. There are much easier tasks for the sprinters than the circuit in the second half of the stage.
Stage #17: Bassano del Grappa - Madonna di Campiglio
Date: October 21, 2020
Length: 203 km
Type: mountain stage
We would like to speak of a real royal stage here and if we look at the profile, this is also the case. But because of tomorrow's stage, the top favorites will ride with the handbrake slightly on today. However, if you are already a long way behind and have nothing left to lose anyway, you may even be able to make the current leaders sweat with an early attack. It's quite possible that the stage win goes to a breakaway who is 15-25th in the overall standings and then suddenly finds himself in the top 10.
Stage #18: Pinzolo – Laghi di Cancano
Date: October 22, 2020
Length: 207 km
Type: mountain stage
The preliminary decision for the overall victory at the Giro d'Italia 2020 will be made today at the latest. The dreaded Stelvio will invite you to attack. If a promising candidate dares to walk away at the foot of the Stelvio Pass, we could even experience an epic stage. One way or another, every cycling fan has to tune in today, because even if the gaps in the overall standings are large, this section will be a real cycling festival.
Stage #19: Morbegno - Asti
Date: October 23, 2020
Length: 251 km
Type: flat stage
After the two queen stages on the previous days, today's 251 kilometers are very easy to get down to business. The almost plate-flat section not only guarantees us spectators a boring stage, but also a classic sprint royal. Anyone who followed the mountain stage over the Stelvio for hours yesterday can take a short break today. But you shouldn't miss the sprint in Asti!
Stage #20: Alba - Sestriere
Date: October 24, 2020
Length: 198 km
Type: mountain stage
Last chance for the climbers! Four tough mountain classifications on the last day of the Giro d'Italia 2020 once again ensure that the overall classification could be shaken up. Today we will see at least one rider breaking in the high mountains who was one of the strongest at the start of the Tour of Italy. The descents will also really get to the substance today. There is a good chance that the leader will also win the Maglia Rosa after arriving in Sestrier.
Stage #21: Cernusco sul Naviglio - Milano
Date: October 25, 2020
Length: 15,7 km
Type: Individual Time Trial
At the end of the Tour of Italy, we are presented with a 16,5-kilometer individual time trial to Milan. Due to the many tough mountain stages before, the chances are rather slim that the overall ranking is still a game of seconds. But who knows that …
