2025 Giro d'Italia stage 18 preview

Giro d'Italia stage 18

• May 29, 2025
• Start time: 14:00 CET
• Finish time: 17:15 CET
• How to watch the Giro d'Italia 

The sprinters get to take centre stage on the short but sweet 144 kilometre stage from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno on stage 18 of the 2025 Giro d'Italia.

After a taxing day in the mountains, the GC contenders will have a chance to rest up for the two big climbing days ahead that will decide whether or not Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) can hang onto the maglia rosa.

There are only three minor climbs along the route, but after an intense day on Wednesday and in the final week of the Giro, even the category 3 climbs can bite. The worst of the obstacles is a category 2 ascent at Parlasco that comes in the first 40km of the stage. It's 7.6km long and while the average is a moderate 6.2%, it maxes out at a painful 11% grade.

Look for Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) to try to add to his team's tally of six stage wins so far. The ciclamino jersey is all but wrapped up for the Dane who holds a lead of 117 points over Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike).

There is a chance that Lidl-Trek could protect Pedersen's jersey by letting a breakaway go clear and snatch the points on the road.

Climbs

• Parlasco (cat. 2), km. 37.8 (7.6km, avg. 6.2%, max 11%)
• Colle Balisio (cat. 3), km. 54.6
• Ravello (cat. 3), km. 78.1

Sprints

• Sprint 1 - Primaluna, km. 45.3
• Sprint 2 - Galbiate, km. 72.1
• Time bonus sprint - Sirtori, km. 87.1