From Potenza to the Prosecco Hills, countless chances for breakaway specialists

Last year’s Giro d’Italia gave us seven stages won by riders who broke away in the opening kilometres. Aside from the time trial, any day can become the right one for those brave enough to try from afar. The odds of success are low on stages suited to sprinters – flat terrain makes it easier for the bunch to keep attackers under control – but on all other days, even on tough climbs, dreaming big is allowed. Some stages, however, are practically designed for the breakaway. And when that happens, the biggest battle usually unfolds right at the start, with riders fighting to make it into the decisive move.

At the Giro d’Italia 2026, attackers might find their first chance as early as Bulgaria. Stage 2, a long journey from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo, would in any other part of the Giro almost certainly be a playground for breakaway attempts. But on day two, with the Maglia Rosa battle still wide open, the peloton will likely keep things tight. Still, the Byala Pass (Cat. 3), the Vratnik Pass (Cat. 3), and especially the Lyaskovets Monastery Pass (Cat. 3, 4 km at 7%) just 9 km from the finish, may inspire bold moves.

Potenza and the Marchigian Walls

A similar scenario may play out on Stage 5, from Praia a Mare to Potenza – roughly 200 km and nearly 4,000 metres of climbing. The highlight is the brutal Montagna Grande di Viggiano (Cat. 2, nearly 7 km with gradients constantly above 10%), cresting 50 km from the finish. Once again, the GC gaps may still be too small for a huge breakaway to succeed, but this will no doubt be one of the hardest finales to predict in this entire edition.

Stage 8, featuring the famous “muri marchigiani”, could be the first true long-range breakaway day. From Chieti to Fermo, the first 100 km are dead flat, meaning furious speeds in the opening hour as riders fight to make the move. Then come the climbs of Montefiore d’Aso (Cat. 3), Monterubbiano (Cat. 4), and finally the steep ramps of Capodarco (Cat. 4) and Fermo (Cat. 4). A classic Grand Tour breakaway stage.

Chiavari and Verbania

A similar start – fast and furious – is expected on Stage 11, from Porcari (Paper District) to Chiavari, though the finale is considerably tougher. After the Passo del Termine (Cat. 3), the concluding 55 km include the Colle di Gualtarola (Cat. 2, 9.9 km at 6.2%) and the San Bartolomeo climb (Cat. 3), ending less than 10 km from the line. Too hard for sprinters, not selective enough for the GC riders, perfect for stage hunters.

Stage 13, from Alessandria to Verbania, will see a tug of war between breakaway riders and sprinters. For 160 km, amid rice fields and vineyards, the road offers no difficulty. But in the final 25, the climbs of Bieno (Cat. 4) and Ungiasca (Cat. 3) will cause headaches for the sprint teams. Attacking from afar might turn out to be a smart move.

Andalo and the Prosecco Hills

In the third week, the clearest breakaway opportunity arrives on Stage 17, from Cassano d’Adda to Andalo in Trentino. At 200 km, with early climbs on the Passo dei Tre Termini (Cat. 3) and Cocca di Lodrino (Cat. 3), and a final 5 km always slightly uphill, it has all the ingredients for a successful move.

The following day, from Fai della Paganella to Pieve di Soligo, resembles the Verbania stage. The profile suggests a sprint, but at just over 10 km from the finish sits the now-iconic Muro di Ca’ del Poggio (Cat. 4, 1.2 km at 12.2%). It’s far from ideal for sprinters, and with 18 days of racing in the legs, teams may lack the strength or desire to control the stage, giving breakaway riders another chance.

The race will conclude with the Dolomite Queen Stage and the double ascent of Piancavallo. That’s where the Giro will be decided. But history tells us that beyond the battle for the Maglia Rosa, early attackers can still fight for glory.

Discover the details of all the stages of the Giro d’Italia 2026!