technical info
Route
Very demanding stage, entirely inland between Calabria and Basilicata. Right from the start, the route climbs into the Pollino National Park with the Prestieri KOM (over 12 km long, but without major gradients). The race then follows the Sinni valley, mostly descending but with several false flats, especially through the towns. After Francavilla in Sinni, the stage moves into the Agri valley towards Viggiano, where riders tackle the hardest climb of the opening stages of the Giro: Montagna Grande di Viggiano (6.6 km, max 15%), leading into the Pierfaone ski area, followed by rolling terrain before the descent to Potenza.
Final kilometres
The final kilometres are first characterised by a climb through the centre of Potenza, followed by a descent leading into the last kilometre. Overall, the finale trends slightly uphill (around 2–5%). Final straight of 700 m on a slight rise (asphalt surface, 7 m wide).
