You wouldn’t call it the queen stage of the Giro d'Italia, but whoever says so would not be far from the truth. The 16th stage will be the first of the third week which will add some mystery to the mix, but this is the only +200 kilometer mountain stage, and it will have a whole 5200 meters of climbing.
After a rest day every stage can be treacherous, however here everyone will be put to the test and there will be no place to hide, with a big mix of climbs that have the space to create big differences in the overall classification.
Stage 16: Salò - Aprica (Sforzato Wine Stage), 202 kilometers
Although there’s a little bit of climbing beforehand,the first mountain of the day is a colossal one. 19 kilometers long at 6.2%, an almost one-hour effort up to Goletto di Cadino. The first 30 kilometers are essentially flat, but afterwards the race will go up to almost 2000 meters of altitude (start is officially at 257 meters).
Goletto di Cadino: 19,0Km; 6.2% average gradient; 143Km to go
The second climb of the day is the iconic Passo del Mortirolo. This won’t be the hardest vertent of the mountain, as it will be climbed via it’s eastern side, but nevertheless it is still a very tough ascent. The descent that follows is very technical but above all steep, a nightmare for those who are scared of having to take risks, but the climb itself can see some moves as it features 12.7 kilometers at 7.7%, with it’s steepest kilometers near the summit – which is placed 72 kilometers away from the finish.
Passo del Mortirolo: 12.7Km; 7.7% average gradient; 72Km to go
After a quick valley ride, the riders will then ascent Teglio for an intermediate sprint, it’s not even categorized but it’s a whole 5.1 kilometers at 8.7%, a climb very similar to Superga in it’s details – it summits with 30 kilometers to go.
All those though are in anticipation of the final and main climb of the day. Valico di Santa Cristina is a climb that can best be described with the quote “it goes up, and up, and up…” It’s 12.7 kilometers long and averages 8.1%, but will be a horrible experience for many as it just gets steeper and steeper the whole way. The final 6 kilometers average above 10% and provide no restbite whatsoever, the only positive thing about it is that at it’s summit there are only 6 kilometers to go.
Valico di Santa Cristina: 12.7Km; 8.1%; 6Km to go
After a very fast and short descent, the riders will very quickly enter Aprica and head into the finish. It is a small town which very often receives finally of monstruous stages in the Giro d’Italia, and this should be no exception.
CyclingUpToDate prediction:
**** Richard Carapaz
*** Jai Hindley, Simon Yates
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Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
Within 18 months of launch, he helped grow CyclingUpToDate’s English-language platform into one of the most-read cycling news websites, built entirely from the ground up. As both a professional journalist and lifelong cycling enthusiast, his focus remains on delivering accurate, timely, and well-contextualized coverage.
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- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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