The race opens along the western shores of Lago di Garda. Where the lake ends the riders cross River Sarca to tackle a short climb to Nago. Just 1.6 kilometres long and averaging 8.4%, mainly serving as gentle reminder that the profile of the route is changing. Big time!
The first big climb begins 5 kilometres later in Bolognano. The Passo di Santa Barbara kicks in hard with a series of hairpins and ramps up to 14%. The climb totals 12.7 kilometres and the average gradient sits at 8.3%.
A short downhill takes the riders to Ronzo Chienis. Effectually, the Passo Bordala is an extension of the Passo di Santa Barbara, only shorter – 4.5 kilometres at 6.7%.
The riders plunge down to Rovereto. After crossing the Adige River the route goes up again. The first 6 kilometres climb at 8.4% and after a minor downhill the rest of the Matassone ascent is less demanding. The climb totals 11.4 kilometres, while the average gradient sits at 5.4%.
The descent runs almost parallel to the ascent and the riders reach the Adige valley again, only to return to climbing on the road to Serrada. The climb adds up to 17.7 kilometres at 5.5%, while the last 9 kilometres before the village go up at 6.5%.
And again, the riders plunge down to the Adige, this time to follow the river upstream for a while before turning left to Aldeno. This flat section is 10 kilometres long and then it’s time for the final climb. Monte Bondone. The first 3 kilometres rise at 9% before it levels out a bit. The ascent is 21.4 kilometres long and averaging 6.7%. The steepest ramp – at 15% – appears 5.5 kilometres before the summit.
The stage winner on Monte Bondone succeeds Charly Gaul (1956), Giorgio Furlan (1992), and Ivan Basso (2006).
The second intermediate sprint comes with time bonuses of 3, 2 and 1 seconds, while 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 16 2023 Giro d’Italia.
Another interesting read: results 16th stage 2023 Giro.
Giro d’Italia 2023 stage 16: route, profile, more
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Passo di Santa Barbara + Passo Bordala, route
Passo di Santa Barbara + Passo Bordala, profile
Serrada climb, profile 
