When the route of a Grand Tour is unveiled, fans often start by scrutinizing the final stages. This is especially true for the Giro d’Italia, where most of the legendary climbs that have defined its history are typically reserved for the last few days. The 2025 edition of the Corsa Rosa is no exception, promising a closing week that will carve new chapters into the Giro’s storied annals.
After the final rest day in Veneto, the peloton will face an unforgiving tappone. The 199 km stage from Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino (Brentonico) will feature a brutal sequence of climbs: La Fricca (2nd category, 12.9 km at 4.6%), Candriai (1st category, 10.1 km at 7.6%), Santa Barbara (1st category, 12.7 km at 8.3%), and the decisive final ascent from Mori to San Valentino (1st category, 17.4 km at 6.4%). The race leaders chasing the Maglia Rosa will be called to action.
The following day brings the San Michele all’Adige – Bormio stage, just 154 km long but packed with iconic climbs. The riders will tackle the Passo del Tonale (2nd category, 15.2 km at 6%) and the fearsome Mortirolo (1st category, 12.6 km at 7.6%) via the Monno side, cresting its summit 47 km from the finish. With just 9 km to go, the short but sharp Le Motte climb (3rd category, 3 km at 7.7%) could serve as a springboard for late attacks on the way to the finish line in Bormio. Stage 18, from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno for a total of 144 km, offers the sprinters their penultimate opportunity to shine and their last chance before the final two punishing days in the mountains.
The 166 km Biella to Champoluc stage takes the athletes through the heart of Valle d’Aosta and over some of its most iconic climbs. These include the Col Tzecore (1st category, 16 km at 7.7%), Col Saint-Pantaléon (1st category, 16.5 km at 7.2%), and Col de Joux (1st category, 15.1 km at 6.9%), followed by the Antagnod ascent (1st category, 9.5 km at 4.5%). The climb ends just 5 km from the finish line at the foot of Monte Rosa, promising a dramatic battle.
Stage 20, a grueling 203 km from Verrès to Sestriere, includes the race’s highest point – also referred to as Cima Coppi – the Colle delle Finestre (18.5 km at 9.2%). Cresting at 2178 meters, the climb features 8 km of gravel roads, adding a layer of drama to an already challenging ascent. After the Finestre, just 28 km separate the riders from the finish in Sestriere and its steady uphill gradients. This queen stage is likely to seal the fate of the Maglia Rosa, leaving riders to prepare for the final parade in Rome.
For the third consecutive year, the Giro d’Italia will conclude in the Eternal City, with a 141 km circuit that winds through the historic and architectural splendors of the Italian capital. Once the peloton crosses the line, Giro 108 will take its place in history.
