This long stage runs alongside the Adriatic coast and finishes in Marco Pantani's hometown. The route detours inland late on to take in some of Pantani's training roads. Indeed, the two climbs near the finish, the Perticara and Barbotto, are both on the route of the Nove Colli Marco Pantani cyclo-sportive, which takes place a week before this stage. These climbs might derail the sprinters, especially when they hit the 18 per cent Barbotto, but with 40km left, don't bet against a bunch gallop.
Procycling's favourite to win:
-
Aero chain catchers and taped up seatposts: Jonas Vingegaard's 'prototype' aero bike leaves no stone unturned at the Tour de France
Don't be fooled by the prototype sticker, this is ready to roll -
It's Round Five in the epic Vingegaard-Pogačar duel - Philippa York analysis
Philippa York takes a close look at form, tactics and team strengths ahead of the major battle at the 2025 Tour de France -
'No dependency on Demi' – Could the wider Vollering effect help FDJ-SUEZ to win another Grand Tour at the Giro d'Italia Women?
Évita Muzic and Juliette Labous lead French team in Italy, as manager Stephen Delcourt hopes the team can build on the successes of their star rider -
'Bonne soirée, Lille' - Parade of riders at Tour de France teams presentation delights crowd with new team kits, national colours and free bottles
Defending champion Tadej Pogačar impresses crowd surrounding Column of the Goddess statue with comments in local language
