The Giro d’Italia Women 2026 moves between the provinces of Parma and Pavia for the 159-kilometre stage from Sorbolo Mezzani to Salice Terme. It is a difficult stage to read: while there is only one major obstacle, the climb to Pietragavina, its position on the route makes it perfectly placed to shake things up. A breakaway could therefore have a chance, although the fastest riders may also be able to survive and fight for victory.
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The stage is divided into two distinct sections. The first runs across the Po Valley as far as Piacenza, before heading into the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese and over the summit of Pietragavina (Category 3, 7.9 km at 3.2%). With 27 kilometres still remaining after the top of the climb, some riders may be tempted to attack, if only to put the pure sprinters under pressure.
The sprinters should have all the tools required to survive the climb to Pietragavina, which means Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) remains the rider to beat. The Italian will face strong competition from Charlotte Kool (Fenix–Premier Tech), Chiara Consonni (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto), Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ) and Nienke Veenhoven (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), as well as Lily Williams (Human Powered Health), Ally Wollaston (FDJ-SUEZ) and Femke Gerritse (SD Worx–Protime).
Predict the stage winner with our ‘stage winner Predictor’. CLICK HERE, head to the FanZone and earn one entry into the draw for the final prizes of the Join the FanZone Challenge for every vote you cast. (Voting is open from 20:00 on the day before the stage until 10:00 on race day.)
Sorbolo Mezzani – Salice Terme, 159 km
Live coverage starts: 12:00 PM
Stage start: 12:40 PM
KM 0: 1:00 PM
Expected finish: around 5:00 PM
TV: The 2026 Giro d’Italia Women will enjoy even broader international television coverage, further cementing its status as one of the flagship events on the women’s cycling calendar. From 30 May to 7 June, the race will be broadcast live in Italy on Rai, Eurosport, Discovery+ and HBO Max. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, coverage will be provided by TNT Sports and HBO Max, while viewers across the rest of Europe will be able to watch the race on Eurosport, HBO Max and Discovery+. In Belgium, the race will be shown on VRT and RTBF.
