The cols are distributed evenly across the route today. Just 23.3 kilometres into the stage the riders crest the Gavia at an altitude of 2,618 metres, after 70.3 kilometres they are at 2,758 metres on the famous Stelvio with the stage finishing after 139 kilometres at 2,059 metres in Val Martello.
The steepest part of today’s leg is at the Gavia. At 6.5 kilometres up, the gradient is 16%. The climb’s average is 8%.
For the 21.7 kilometres that make up the Passo dello Stelvio, the riders rise 1,553 vertical metres, an average gradient of 7.2%. The steepest part of the ascent is 12%. Two years ago Thomas De Gendt took an impressive stage win on the Stelvio that also resulted in a podium place in Milan.
The final climb is the longest. The 22.3 kilometre has an average gradient of 6.4% with the steepest section at 14% coming in the last kilometres. It’s 1,422 vertical metres from the bottom of the climb to Val Martello.
In total today, the riders travel 60.5 kilometres uphill!
Last year’s Giro had a stage Ponte di Legno-Val Martello as well. In fact, it was exactly the same route of 139 kilometers but the stage was cancelled due to heavy snowfall on the cols.
Giro 2014 Stage 16: Images and more
Click on the images to zoom
Gavia pass at cyclingthealps.com
Stelvio pass at cyclingthealps.com
Val Martello at cyclingthealps.com
It’s a Hell off a race today for the riders. but I hope that we can some firework from Wilco Kelderman. good luck today