Things start to get serious with the Diamante-Potenza on Lucanian soil, 196 kilometres without a single metre of plain. A good 4510 metres of elevation gain are scheduled for today, which is why no one will be able to sleep soundly. The terrain is ideal for ambushes, the men in the rankings will have to be constantly vigilant and the tussle to get into the breakaway is going to be very close. The spectacle should be assured.
The riders will hit the road at 11.40 am, official start is scheduled for 11.55 am, and arrival is expected for around 17.15.
Diamante-Potenza (196km)
The route
A very demanding stage through the Lucanian Apennines. The start along the sea provides the only flat part. After Maratea the sequence of more or less demanding asperities is uninterrupted. We climb the Colla pass that leads to Lauria where we tackle Monte Sirino. Long junction with Viggiano where we climb the short and demanding Montagna Grande di Viggiano. Last climb up Sellata to reach Potenza. The entire route faces roads in different states of preservation, averagely narrow with countless curves following the sides of the mountains.
Last kilometres
Last kilometres entirely in the middle of the city. We climb into the centre often with steep slopes to then descend along wide, well-paved avenues. At 2 km from the finish a short tunnel leads to the boulevards towards the finish. Last 350 m at 8% with a maximum of 13%. Arrival on asphalt.
