Giro d'Italia Women 2026: The most important facts in brief
- Date: 30.05. - 07.06.2025
- 9 stages
- 1177.7 kilometres
- 12,100 metres in altitude
- 2 moderately difficult stages
- 3 sprint stages
- 3 mountain stages
- 1 mountain time trial
The route of the Giro d'Italia Women 2026 in detail
The 37th edition of the women's Giro d'Italia will take place between 30 May and 7 June. Formerly known as the Giro Donne, the race has been officially called the Giro d'Italia Women since it was first organised by the RCS, the organiser of the men's Giro, the year before last. The route was presented on 1 December in Rome, where the men's route was also unveiled. Compared to previous years, a ninth stage has been added, which is why the route length has changed significantly. After 919.2 kilometres for the 2025 edition, the 2026 edition will be almost 259 kilometres longer. 1177.7 kilometres to be precise. However, the metres in altitude will shrink significantly: with 2200 fewer metres in altitude, there will still be 12,100 in 2026.
The individual stages in detail
The riders start in Cesenatico with a flat, not too long stage. While the overall classification contenders still have to put their feet up, the sprinters have to get straight to work. The fast women can watch the finale on the first of two laps, one lap is 22.9 kilometres long. Stage 2 is also prepared for the sprinters with just one small climb. The riders arrive at the top 88 kilometres before the finish and then have enough time to sort out the sprint trains for the finale. The third section of the Tour of Italy also begins deceptively flat. However, this changes halfway through the kilometres. From then on, several short ramps have to be tackled, with the last categorised climb 18 kilometres before the finish line. This should be a good day for riders seeking victory as a breakaway to distance themselves from the peloton.
Day four offers another real highlight with the mountain time trial. The first kilometre is downhill until the climb slowly picks up speed. After three and a half kilometres with an average gradient of 2.9 per cent, things really get going. A section of almost four kilometres with an average gradient of 10.3 per cent and 14 per cent at the top begins at the time check point - this is where the first gaps in the overall classification will appear. The route flattens out again at the top, but there is another kicker towards the finish, which is likely to create further second gaps with heavy legs.
After the short but tough time trial, the fifth day is all about the mountains. Four categorised climbs in the Dolomites, starting with the Passo Tre Croci. The riders can only rest on the descent, immediately followed by the Passo di Sant'Antonio. After that, it's all uphill or downhill - two laps with the Costalissoio climb, where the finish line is passed on the descent on the first lap. After two tough days for the contenders for overall victory, it's time to rest on stage 6. Mostly flat, the route is slightly downhill at times and a bunch sprint seems likely. On the following stage 7, the route is also flat for the first 100 kilometres. However, the road then climbs continuously until two third-category mountain classifications have to be tackled. After these, it's downhill to the finish, with various scenarios appearing possible. A solo ride could lead to victory here, as could a group sprint.
The queen stage is clearly the 8th section. At only 101 kilometres in length, it is not a mammoth task, but the crossing over the Colle delle Finestre certainly is. For the men, the Tour of Italy 2025 was decided on this climb. 18 kilometres at 9 per cent and half of the route on gravel. The women's race is also likely to be decided here, especially as the mountain arrival in Sestriere awaits after the short descent. Stage 9 also leads the peloton over two difficult climbs. The first climb is the most difficult of the day. The Montoso begins after just under 46 kilometres and ends with its rapid descent almost at the next categorised mountain classification. However, the Colletta di Paesana is only a small test before the final hurdle, the Colletta di Brondello. From there, the route runs downhill to the finish in Saluzzo, where the new winner of the Tour of Italy is crowned.
All stages of the Giro d'Italia Women 2026 with elevation profiles at a glance
Stage 1 | Saturday, 30 May | Cesenatico - Ravenna | 139 kilometres
Stage 2 | Sunday, 31 May | Roncade H-Farm - Caorle | 146 kilometres
Stage 3 | Monday, 1 June | Bibione - Buja | 156 kilometres
Stage 4 | Tuesday, 2 June | Belluno - Nevegal | 12.7 kilometres (individual time trial)
Stage 5 | Wednesday, 3 June | Longarone - Santo Stefano di Cadore | 146 kilometres
Stage 6 | Thursday, 4 June | Ala - Brescello | 159 kilometres
Stage 7 | Friday, 5 June | Sorbolo Mezzani - Salice Terme | 159 kilometres
Stage 8 | Saturday, 6th June | Rivoli - Sestriere | 105 kilometres
Stage 9 | Sunday, 7 June | Saluzzo - Saluzzo | 143 kilometres
Video of the route of the Giro d'Italia Women 2026
Leon Weidner
Working student
