Giro 2025 Route stage 5: Ceglie Messapica

Giro 2025 Route stage 5: Ceglie Messapica - Matera

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Wednesday, 14 May – Stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia takes the peloton from Ceglie Messapica to Matera. The 145-kilometre route is largely flat, but a punchy hill looms with around 30 kilometres to go, and the terrain remains challenging afterwards. Is the finale tough enough to derail a bunch sprint?

Like most towns in Italy, Ceglie Messapica boasts a rich history. It dates back to 700 BC with the arrival of Greek settlers. But while the town’s past is impressive, its connection to the Giro is a blank slate.

From the historic town centre, the riders set off in westerly direction. After passing through Massafra, they turn towards the coast. For over 50 kilometres, the route is pancake flat, but near Metaponto, as they leave the coast, the terrain becomes more undulating. With just over 30 kilometres to go, the riders face the ascent to Montescaglioso. This picturesque town, perched on a hilltop, has welcomed the Giro peloton four times before. To reach it, the riders tackle a 2.8-kilometre climb at 8.6%.

Altough the only KOM points are available in Montescaglioso, the route isn’t entirely flat after that. Shortly after the descent, the riders enter a 7.1-kilometre uphill stretch at 3.5% to Castello Tramontano. Even in Matera, finishing venue, the road rises for 700 metres at 7.9%. This final uphill stretch peaks just 1.7 kilometres before the line.

That said, previous finishes in Matera have favoured the sprinters. Mario Cipollini claimed victory here twice (1998 and 2000), while Fabio Baldato (2003), John Degenkolb (2013), and Arnaud Démare (2020) also added their names to the winners’ list.