The 2025 Giro d’Italia Women is set for its first major shake-up in the general classification.
Stage 4 – 142 km from Castello Tesino to Pianezze (Valdobbiadene) – features a brutal summit finish that could prove decisive in the battle for the Maglia Rosa. This climb doesn’t just promise gaps, it could deal lasting damage heading into the final days of the race. GC contenders must be ready.
The route leaves Trentino and heads into Veneto, and the challenges are anything but scarce. After 64 km, riders hit the climb to Cugnan (Vena d’Oro), a Category 3 ascent of 3 km at 6.6%. Not long after comes the now-iconic Muro di Ca’ del Poggio (Category 4), just 1 km but averaging a brutal 12.2%, launching the peloton into the heart of the Prosecco hills. Before the final showdown, there’s still the Category 4 climb to Santo Stefano (2.5 km at 6.3%). Then it’s all about focus and legs as the road tilts up towards Pianezze.
The altitude gain isn’t extreme – from 252 meters in Valdobbiadene to 1,076 at the summit – but the final climb is 11.4 km at 7.2%, with steady gradients and a string of switchbacks that will offer the only chance to breathe.
Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek) will need to pull off another masterpiece if she wants to stay in the Maglia Rosa.
Lining up to dethrone her are Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), but keep an eye on Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) and Juliette Labous (FDJ-SUEZ) as well.
Also in the mix: Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco), Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto), Pauliena Rooijakkers, Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck), and Ashleigh Moolman (AG Insurance-Soudal).
Uncertainty still surrounds the form of Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime). The World Champion didn’t shine on the climb to Aprica, but writing her off would be a mistake.
Castello Tesino – Pianezze (Valdobbiadene)
Distance: 142 km
Elevation gain: 2,700 meters
Start: 10:15 a.m.
KM 0: 10:35 a.m.
LIVE coverage begins: 09:15 a.m.
Estimated time of arrival: ~2:30 p.m.
