Giro 2020 Favourites stage 17: Monster Mountains for HC climbers

The 17th stage at the Giro is dominated by three huge ascents and a shorter one. The shortest is more than 10 kilometres, which goes to show. Doubtless, the winner will be a Hors Catégorie climber.

The first part of the 17th stage features two massive ascents. Both the Forcella Valbona and the Monte Bondone are more than 20 kilometres long. Given the length of the climbs, the average gradients are firm as well – 6.6% and 6.8%, respectively.

When the riders come down from the Bondone there are still 60 kilometres to go. The breakaway’s lead will be solid indicator of their chances to survive all they way to the line. And whether there are any exceptional climbers on board.

The last part of the race is less hard. The Passo Durone is a 10.4 kilometres climb at 6%, while the finish climb is 15.5 kilometres long and the average gradient sits at 5.9%. But with the Forcella Valbona and the Monte Bondone in the legs it will feel harder than it sounds on paper. Especially since the 20 kilometres before the final ascent run false flat uphill.

Favourites 17th stage 2020 Giro d’Italia
** Wilco Kelderman, Jai Hindley
** Jakob Fuglsang, Rafal Majka, Vincenzo Nibali
* Ilnur Zakarin, Patrick Konrad, Fausto Masnada, Tao Geoghegan Hart

Another interesting read: route stage 17 Giro d’Italia.

Giro Stage 16

Giro Stage 18

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