Giro d'Italia 2024: First appearance for the sprinters - this is stage 3
Sebastian Lindner
· 06.05.2024
Stage 3 | Monday, 6 May | Novara - Fossano | 166 kilometres
The third stage of the Giro d'Italia 2024 begins in Novara, west of Milan. For the third time in the history of the Giro, the city of 100,000 inhabitants is the starting point of a stage of the Tour of Italy. And thus somewhat more prominent than the finish in Fossano. Because only one stage has ever ended there. In 1993, Adriano Baffi won the 18th stage in a bunch sprint.
The day harbours few pitfalls. After just under 60 kilometres, the only mountain classification of the day (4th category) is taken in Lu. There are further small hills after 100 kilometres in La Madonna and at kilometre 144 in Cherasco. The route crosses the Po Valley in a south-westerly direction, which is why there are only a few climbs.
The finish in Fossano is then south of Turin, and it's not too far to France or the coast of the Thyrrenian Sea. Just before the city gates, however, another small wave 1800 metres long awaits. No extreme gradients, a little more than five on average, but the expected full speed will make it a bit tough. After that, it's another three kilometres to the finish line.
Sporting assessment of the 3rd stage
Stage 3 of the Giro d'Italia is one for the sprinters. Finally, the fast men will say to themselves. They are unlikely to let breakaways spoil their first chance in what is already a small number of flat stages. This should also apply to the small climb near the finish. Perhaps there won't be a closed peloton in Fossano, but all the captains and sprinters will be there.
Giro d'Italia 2024 - Stage 3: The most important information at a glance
- Flat stage over 166 kilometres
- Mountain classifications: 1, sprint classifications: 2
- Start time: 13:10
- Estimated arrival time: between 17:02 and 17:22
- TV: from 13:00 Eurosport 1
- Live stream: from 12:30 pm Discovery Plus
- More info on TV broadcast & live stream
