The 2025 Giro d’Italia is rumoured to take a dramatic departure from tradition, with rumours suggesting it will forgo the iconic Dolomite climbs in favour of a gravel stage through Tuscany, reminiscent of Strade Bianche. The official route presentation, delayed until 13th January in Rome, has only fuelled speculation about the race’s potential highlights and challenges.
According to Cicloweb, the Giro will kick off on 9th May with three stages in Albania, marking the first confirmed section of the route. From there, the peloton will cross the Adriatic to Puglia, with the first mountain test reportedly arriving on stage 7 in the southern Apennines, featuring an 11km summit finish at Tagliacozzo.
Gravel roads and historic finishes
Stage 9 is tipped to bring a Strade Bianche-inspired sterrato challenge, potentially ending in Siena, where the punishing climb into the Piazza del Campo has become a defining feature of the one-day race. The following day may feature a 30km time trial between Pisa and Lucca, followed by a demanding Apennine stage that could include the San Pellegrino climb.
The second week’s profile appears varied, mixing flat and rolling stages, with a brief excursion into Slovenia also expected. Stage 15 could revisit Monte Grappa, a pivotal climb in the 2024 edition where Tadej Pogačar showcased his climbing strength.
Northern climbs take a backseat
Reports from Cicloweb and La Flamme Rouge suggest the Giro will steer clear of the northern Dolomites. Instead, a stage through lesser-known ascents like Passo Santa Barbara and a finish at San Valentino di Brentonico is rumoured, while iconic climbs such as Pordoi, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Gardena are expected to miss out.
That said, the Mortirolo is likely to feature in stage 17, marking the 40th anniversary of its historic inclusion in the Giro, where Marco Pantani, Miguel Indurain, and Evgeni Berzin battled in one of the race’s most memorable moments.
Final reckoning in the Alps
The third week is set to deliver decisive mountain stages, particularly on stages 19 and 20 in the western Alps. The Colle Finestre, renowned for its off-road sections, is expected to serve as a final battleground before the peloton heads to Rome for the race’s conclusion.
If the leaks prove accurate, the absence of Dolomite legends and climbs like Mount Etna and Blockhaus could see the 2025 Giro dubbed less punishing than previous editions. However, with the third week still packed with mountainous challenges, climbers are likely to have plenty of opportunities to leave their mark. The full route will be unveiled on Monday, 13th January.
