The decisive stage of 2026 Giro d'Italia will see a €15 million investment in key road infrastructure

The 20th stage may not be the most exciting of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, at least compared to some of the other dishes prepared by the retiring race director Mauro Vegni. In any case, on the stage with double ascent up Piancavallo, the race shall find out with certainty who will become the overall champion of the race's 109th edition.

Starting from Gemona del Friuli, the riders will complete 132 kilometers on the roads in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region before reaching the foot of the final climb of the race - Piancavallo with parameters of 14.5 kilometers at 7.8%. And not just once, the peloton will have to cross this feared ascent twice before their job is finally done. At least as far as GC riders are concerned as there is still the celebratory stage in Rome on Sunday.

It's not every year that the northeastern-most region of Italy gets to welcome the decisive stages of Giro d'Italia despite it's numerous scenic mountain passes. Most recently, the Friulian region hosted the stage 20 time trial up Monte Lussari during the 2023 Giro d'Italia.

Close to Slovenian borders, the fans of Primoz Roglic created electrifying atmosphere for the favourite as he stole the pink jersey of Geraint Thomas on the lost possible day. To ensure such iconic moments can take place again, the region will invest heavily to improve the road infrastructure ahead of next year's edition.

"To ensure safety and quality along the Corsa Rosa route, road maintenance work worth nearly €15 million is coming between the former provinces of Udine and Pordenone," Massimiliano Fedriga, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, wrote on his social media profiles about the planned investment.

Specifically, "over €4 million will be allocated by FVG Strada for state and regional roads," Fedriga notes. "Nearly €3 million will be available to the municipalities affected by the stage, including Aviano, Barcis, Gemona, Artegna, Majano, Colloredo, Osoppo, Bordano, and Venzone."

Additionally, €2.7 million will be allocated by the Udine Regional Decentralization Authority (formerly the Province), and €5 million will come from the Pordenone counterpart for sections of road designated as "strategic," up to Piancavallo.