Thursday 22
May 2025
172 km
Altitude Gain 1850 m
Starting in
A likely bunch sprint in the heart of the Po Valley. The stage starts with a circuit along the roads of the Matildic Castles before opening up in the plains. After an initial passage through Viadana, the stage features a circuit touching the town of Sabbioneta.
Host city:
Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, is a city of elegance: the Cathedral and the Ghirlandina represent the finest of Romanesque architecture, while the unique flavor of DOP balsamic vinegar is a symbol of excellence. Here, art, motors, and cuisine coexist: from the birthplace of Pavarotti to Ferrari, with its dedicated museum, Modena tells a story of passion and tradition.
Synonymous with fine dining, Modena is world-famous for its gastronomy, a reputation built on authenticity, respect for tradition, and the preservation of rich flavors. Visitors will find a vast culinary landscape, from restaurants and trattorias to farms and artisan producers, who have gained worldwide recognition, including the renowned Osteria Francescana, consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world.
A typical Modenese menu starts with an appetizer featuring exquisite cured meats, first among them Prosciutto di Modena DOP. Among the first courses, Tortellini take center stage, small pasta parcels filled with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Moving to the main courses, Cotechino and Zampone Modena IGP stand out, made from finely ground pork, seasoned with spices, and encased in the skin of the pig’s front leg.
Crescentine, known locally as “Tigelle,” and Gnocco Fritto are irresistible accompaniments, best enjoyed with cheeses, cured meats, or flavorful dips. Essential to any Modenese table are Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, unparalleled condiments worldwide. One of the finest pairings is Parmigiano Reggiano drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
To finish, a generous serving of Vignola Cherries and Amarene Brusche di Modena, both with IGP status, along with traditional desserts such as Bensone, a homemade sweet bread, Zuppa Inglese, and Amaretti.
Modena’s most iconic wine is Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine renowned worldwide for its unique characteristics. Honest and authentic, it perfectly reflects the Modenese character and plays a crucial role in the local economy.
Several DOP varieties exist based on different grape types: Lambrusco di Sorbara DOP, also known as Lambrusco della viola, is fresh and delicate with a light body; Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOP is fresh, savory, harmonious, and moderately tannic, making it versatile for any meal; Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP is elegant and well-structured, offering soft, fruity notes; and Lambrusco di Modena DOP features refined floral and fruity aromas.
Another notable local beverage is Nocino, a delightful liqueur made from green walnut husks. This traditional drink is dark brown, intensely aromatic, and has a lasting walnut flavor. Traditionally, walnuts are harvested on 24 June, the feast of St. John the Baptist, when the fruit is still unripe, ensuring the best quality for liqueur production. The most traditional way to enjoy Nocino is neat at room temperature as a digestive after meals.
Modena, a city rich in history, is home to stunning architectural gems, making it a perfect destination for art and culture lovers. Visitors can embark on an extraordinary journey through time by exploring its most iconic landmarks.
The Duomo, along with the Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque architecture. The Palazzo Comunale houses historic rooms and the legendary Secchia Rapita, as well as the municipal acetaia where traditional balsamic vinegar is aged. Nearby, the recently renovated Museums of the Duomo offer engaging multimedia installations.
The 17th-century Palazzo Ducale, now home to the Military Academy, was once the seat of the Este Court, which relocated to Modena from Ferrara in 1598. Another cultural hub is the Palazzo dei Musei, which hosts the Estense Galleries, one of Italy’s most significant collections of paintings and sculptures, along with the Civic Museum.
The AGO Modena “Fabbriche Culturali” Foundation presents annual photography and visual arts exhibitions across prestigious venues, including the one-of-a-kind Museo della Figurina, dedicated to collectible trading cards.
For opera enthusiasts, must-visit sites include the Teatro Comunale di Modena and the Luciano Pavarotti House Museum. Modena has long been intertwined with music, dating back to the Este period, fostering a deep-rooted love for singing that has produced internationally renowned opera stars such as Mirella Freni, Raina Kabaivanska, and Luciano Pavarotti. Today, the tradition of opera continues through the Teatro Comunale “Luciano Pavarotti” and an active music scene. The city also played a key role in the Italian Beat music movement, producing icons such as Equipe 84, Caterina Caselli, and Nomadi, as well as modern artists like Vasco Rossi, Francesco Guccini, Paolo Belli, Modena City Ramblers, Nek, and many more.
Motorsport enthusiasts will be captivated by Modena’s legendary automotive heritage, home to Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, and Stanguellini. As the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari, Modena is at the heart of Italy’s “Motor Valley.” Racing cars and luxury vehicles have become iconic collector’s items, bringing Italian passion, creativity, and excellence to the world.
Visitors can explore the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena and the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, along with several private collections and production sites: the Maserati showroom, the Umberto Panini Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum, the Stanguellini Museum, the Righini Collection, Pagani Automobili, and the Modena Autodrome.
Viadana, in Lombardy, is a small town located along the Po River. Known for its agricultural tradition and strategic position, it serves as an important commercial hub in the region. Viadana boasts a rich historical heritage, featuring churches and palaces in a peaceful setting. The proximity to the Po River offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling and fishing, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature.
Viadana’s culinary tradition is deeply tied to its fertile lands and agricultural heritage. The region is renowned for its production of watermelons, melons, and pumpkins, which thrive in the nutrient-rich soil and mild climate, resulting in their sweet and intense flavors. Viadana’s watermelons are large and juicy, providing a refreshing treat on hot summer days, while its melons are known for their unmistakable aroma and soft pulp, often paired with prosciutto crudo in a classic local dish.
One of the most emblematic dishes of the area is the pumpkin tortelli, a signature of Viadana’s and Mantua’s cuisine. These raviolis are filled with pumpkin, macaroons, mustard, and Parmigiano Reggiano, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. They are served in two main variations: with butter and sage, which highlights the delicacy of the filling, or with a hearty tomato and sausage sauce for a richer taste. Traditionally prepared for festive occasions, tortelli di zucca are a symbol of Viadana’s culinary heritage.
Another local specialty is the luadel, which has recently received De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale) recognition, attesting to its historical and cultural significance. Originally, it was a “test bread” used to check the temperature of wood-fired ovens in Viadana’s farmhouses before baking larger loaves. Made with a simple dough of flour, water, and yeast, luadel is baked quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Today, it is enjoyed as a traditional bread, often served alongside local cured meats and cheeses.
The Lambrusco Viadanese is the signature wine of the area, taking its name from Viadana in the province of Mantua. The grape variety is believed to have originated from wild vines, as suggested by the name “Lambrusco,” derived from the Latin “Vitis Labrusca,” meaning wild vine. These grapes were historically called “uzeline” or “oseline” because they grew at the edges of forests and were a favorite food for birds.
Also known as “Groppello Ruberti,” named after the enologist who identified it as the best grape variety in the province, Lambrusco Viadanese is primarily cultivated in Mantua, in the region bordered by the Oglio and Po rivers. It serves as the primary grape in the Lambrusco Mantovano DOC. The Lambrusco Viadanese grape features a medium-sized, pentagonal leaf with three lobes, sometimes five. Its mature clusters are medium-sized, long, cylindrical, and compact, with round, tightly packed berries. The thick-skinned, dark blue-black grapes are covered in a light bloom, while the pulp is juicy and neutral in taste.
Lambrusco Viadanese wine has a deep ruby-red color and intense aromas with fruity and floral notes of cherry and violet. It is notably tannic, full-bodied, yet harmoniously balanced.
One of Viadana’s main cultural centers is the MuVi (Musei Viadana), a complex housing several important institutions. It includes the Antonio Parazzi Civic Archaeological Museum, dedicated to local history and archaeology, and the Adolfo Ghinzelli City Museum, which explores Viadana’s past and its surrounding territory. The MuVi also hosts the Luigi Parazzi Public Library, home to over 100,000 volumes, and the Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art, a hub for exhibitions and cultural events. Additionally, the Historical Municipal Archive preserves the town’s historical memory.
Research, documentation, and publishing efforts are carried out by the Società Storica Viadanese and the Daniele Ponchiroli Foundation, both dedicated to promoting and preserving Viadana’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Another key attraction is the Ecomuseo Terre d’Acqua, located between the Oglio and Po rivers. Recognized by the Lombardy Region, this ecomuseum showcases the agricultural and artisanal traditions of the floodplain. Its headquarters are in the historic Navarolo Agro Cremonese and Mantovano drainage plant in the San Matteo delle Chiaviche district. Built in 1923, this site represents an important example of industrial archaeology and environmental conservation. Notably, among the laborers involved in its construction was a young Learco Guerra, who later became one of Italy’s greatest cyclists, earning the nickname “The Human Locomotive”.
Among Viadana’s most significant religious buildings is the Archpriestal Church of Santa Maria Assunta and San Cristoforo in Castello, located in the historic center. This church serves as a veritable museum of sacred art, thanks to the extensive collection amassed by Monsignor Antonio Parazzi. Its paintings, sculptures, and sacred furnishings reflect the evolution of local religious art over the centuries.
Another historically and culturally significant site is the Prepositural Church of Santa Giulia V.M. in the district of Cicognara, where nationally relevant figures have played a role. Here, Don Primo Mazzolari, a major figure in 20th-century Italian Catholicism, conducted part of his ministry. Additionally, the church was once the residence of Nobel Prize-winning writer Grazia Deledda, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926.
Durazzo (Durrës) - Tirana (Tiranë)
Tirana (Tiranë) - Tirana (Tiranë) TUDOR ITT
Valona (Vlorë) - Valona (Vlorë)
Alberobello (Pietramadre) - Lecce
Ceglie Messapica - Matera
Potenza - Napoli
Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
Giulianova - Castelraimondo
Gubbio - Siena
Lucca - Pisa TUDOR ITT
Viareggio - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Modena - Viadana (Oglio-Po)
Rovigo - Vicenza
Treviso - Nova Gorica/Gorizia
Fiume Veneto - Asiago
Piazzola sul Brenta - San Valentino (Brentonico)
San Michele all'Adige (Fondazione Edmund Mach) - Bormio
Morbegno - Cesano Maderno
Biella - Champoluc
Verrès - Sestrière (Vialattea)
Roma - Roma
