Giro d’Italia Women 2026, Stage 8: route, favourites and where to watch on TV

It is the day of the monster, the day of the Colle delle Finestre. From Rivoli to Sestriere over 105 kilometres, the legendary Piedmontese climb, half of it on gravel, has written some of the most unforgettable chapters in modern cycling, from Chris Froome’s epic raid to Simon Yates’ redemption, and now it is ready to shine a spotlight on the women of the Giro d’Italia Women. The winner of the Corsa Rosa will inevitably pass through this stage.

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The Route

The stage features a flat opening section through the Dora Riparia valley, which the riders follow to the outskirts of Susa. There, the ascent of the Colle delle Finestre begins. The climb, which also serves as the Cima Alfonsina Strada, has an almost constant gradient of 9.2% from bottom to top, with only a short ramp in Meana di Susa reaching a maximum of 14%. The first nine kilometres are on tarmac, while the final nine kilometres to the summit are tackled on gravel roads.

On the paved section of the Colle delle Finestre, the riders tackle 29 hairpin bends in less than four kilometres, with a total of 45 all the way to the summit. The descent is highly demanding, narrow and exposed in its opening section down to Pian dell’Alpe. Once back on the SS23, the road rises again with more manageable gradients towards the finish in Sestriere, featuring a Category 3 ascent of 16.2 kilometres at an average gradient of 3.8%.

PROTECTED AREAS OF THE COTTIAN ALPS

Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont Alps, the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps preserve an extraordinary natural, scenic and cultural heritage. Established by the Piedmont Region in 2012, this public body manages four remarkable parks, two special nature reserves and a network of 16 Special Areas of Conservation that form part of the European ecological network known as Natura 2000. The organisation pursues several objectives, foremost among them the protection of biodiversity through the sustainable management of the territory. It also promotes the responsible enjoyment of protected areas and seeks to foster a strong environmental awareness. Every day, the park authorities work to safeguard ecological balance, monitor flora and fauna and enhance the rich historical and cultural heritage found in these mountains. Visitors can explore an extensive network of trails, visitor centres and museums, experiencing the beauty of the landscapes while respecting the environment. Every activity — from tourism to hiking — is designed to coexist harmoniously with the conservation of these ecosystems. In particular, the Giro d’Italia Women will pass through two of these protected areas, bringing the Corsa Rosa into some of the most spectacular and environmentally valuable landscapes of the Cottian Alps.

LAKES OF AVIGLIANA: Nestled at the foot of the morainic hills of Rivoli and at the entrance to the Susa Valley lie two glacial lakes of immense natural value: the Lakes of Avigliana. These bodies of water form part of a Natural Park and a site within the European ecological network Natura 2000, providing a precious habitat for a remarkable variety of animal and plant species. The area protects birds, amphibians, crustaceans and mammals, as well as flowers, trees, algae and woodland ecosystems. Yet it is not only the species themselves that are of great importance, but also the habitats they inhabit. Within the park lies the Palude dei Mareschi, a unique wetland environment unlike any other in the lower Susa Valley. Here, efforts are focused on fostering coexistence between people and nature, balancing tourism with conservation — goals actively pursued by the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps Authority.

ORSIERA-ROCCIAVRE’: Amid alpine passes and towering peaks, a mosaic of pastures, meadows, forests and rocky slopes supports a remarkably rich biodiversity. This is the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park, bisected by the spectacular Colle delle Finestre, one of the most iconic climbs in cycling. Part of the European ecological network Natura 2000, the protected area is home to some of the Alps’ most emblematic mammals, from the marmot — the symbol of the park — to chamois and ibex, as well as red deer and wolves. These diverse mountain habitats also harbour a wealth of animal life, including butterflies, beetles, reptiles and amphibians, alongside an equally impressive botanical heritage. Numerous orchid species, forest plants and flora adapted to rocky cliffs thrive here, many of them endemic to the region. In this unique environment, humans and nature coexist in balance across both natural and semi-natural landscapes. From sustainable forest management to high-altitude grazing, the park has long been shaped by the traditions of mountain communities while welcoming visitors who come to experience its extraordinary beauty

As you travel through these landscapes, do so as respectful and considerate guests, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, stunning natural vistas and the unforgettable feeling of truly becoming part of the mountains.