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Giro d'Italia 2025Stage 17 preview: Three tough climbs

Leon Weidner

 · 15.05.2025

Elevation profile of the 17th stage
Photo: RCS Sport
From 9 May to 1 June, the Giro d'Italia 2025 is on the pro riders' calendar. The 21 stages of the 108th edition will take the riders from Durrës in Albania to Rome. This is the 17th stage.
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The most important information about the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025

Route of the 17th stage of the Tour of Italy 2025

Elevation profile of the 17th stagePhoto: RCS SportElevation profile of the 17th stage

The 17th stage on 28 May from San Michele all'Adige to Bormio promises to be one of the most demanding stages of this year's tour. On the 155-kilometre course, the riders have to conquer a total of 3800 metres in altitude. The stage leads through the picturesque landscapes of Trentino and Lombardy, with three tough climbs to test the riders. The start is at 12.50 pm in San Michele all'Adige, a small town in Trentino known for its wine-growing tradition. From there, the route initially leads through the Val di Non and the Val di Sole, where the road climbs steadily. After around 80 kilometres, the riders reach the foot of the first major climb of the day, the Passo del Tonale. This 15.2 kilometre climb with an average gradient of 6.1 per cent is likely to pull the peloton apart considerably.

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The famous Passo del MortiroloPhoto: RCS SportThe famous Passo del Mortirolo

After a fast descent to Ponte di Legno, the Passo del Mortirolo is probably the most notorious climb of the entire Giro. The ascent from Monno is not the most difficult variant of the Mortirolo, but with a length of 12.6 kilometres and an average gradient of 7.6 percent, it is still an enormous challenge. The last three kilometres are particularly tough, with the road climbing at over 10 per cent throughout. It is to be expected that the decisive attacks for the stage and possibly also for the overall classification will be made on this climb. The technically demanding descent to Grosio is followed by a long climb towards Bormio. Here, riders who have been left behind could make up ground before the finale. Around 10 kilometres before the finish, a short but steep climb awaits the peloton in the form of Le Motte. With a length of 2.5 kilometres and an average gradient of 8.4 percent, this climb could provide a final selection.

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The last three kilometres are mostly downhill towards Bormio. After entering the town, a hairpin bend marks the start of the flat final section. A few sharp bends lead the riders onto the 100 metre long finishing straight, which runs along a seven metre wide asphalt road. The finish is expected at around 17:30.

The 17th stage on the mapPhoto: RCS SportThe 17th stage on the map

Sporting assessment of the 17th stage

The Passo del Mortirolo could provide a preliminary decision for the stagePhoto: Getty Images/Dario BelingheriThe Passo del Mortirolo could provide a preliminary decision for the stage

Based on the elevation profile, it is clear that this stage is likely to be one of the most difficult of the entire Giro d'Italia 2025. The combination of the previous stages and the three difficult climbs will push the riders to their limits. The Passo del Mortirolo in particular could have a decisive impact on the race. This is where the climbing specialists will try to pull away from their rivals. The short but steep climb to Le Motte shortly before the finish offers a final opportunity for attacks. Should a small group be able to break away here, they would have a good chance of saving their lead to the finish. On the other hand, a larger group could also give a strong sprinter a good chance of winning the stage. This stage could be of decisive importance for the overall standings of the Giro d'Italia 2025. The favourites will have to show here whether they are able to withstand the tough demands of this mountain stage. Any time losses incurred on this day could weigh heavily in the final standings.

Leon Weidner

Working student

Leon Philip Weidner is from Cologne, follows professional cycling closely and is a passionate road cyclist himself. In addition to long kilometres in the saddle of a road bike, he also regularly rides a time trial bike - always with his eye on the next triathlon. His expertise combines sporting practice with knowledge of the scene.

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