Stage 6, from Bellaria-Igea Marina to Terre Roveresche (Orciano di Pesaro), 145 km, is arguably the most attacker-friendly of the entire Giro.
Its relentless rolling profile invites long-range moves, but timing will be everything, knowing when to go all-in and when to save precious energy in the middle part of the race could make all the difference.
No impossible climbs, but plenty of ups and downs that can sap the legs. The stage kicks off with the cross-border ascent to San Marino (Cat. 2, 5.3 km at 7%), followed by the sharp ramps of Mondaino, Montericcardo (Cat. 3, 6.1 km at 4.9%), and Beato Sante (Cat. 3, 5.3 km at 5.6%). Then comes the drag toward Mondavio (4.1 km at 4.2%) and, crucially, the kicker after Monte Porzio (1.7 km at 6.8%, with the first 400 meters at 11.5%) just 10 km from the line. It’s likely too tough for the pure sprinters, yet not selective enough for the GC stars to land a meaningful blow
When the stage profile suggests a breakaway could stick, making predictions becomes a tricky game. Riders out of GC contention might be granted more freedom – so think Marianne Vos (Visma | Lease a Bike), or perhaps Liane Lippert (Movistar), Juliette Labous and Evita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ), both looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to this Giro, or even Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco).
Bellaria-Igea Marina – Terre Roveresche (Orciano di Pesaro)
Length: 145 km
Elevation gain: 2,350 meters
Start: 10:25 a.m.
KM 0: 10:35 a.m.
Live coverage begins: 9:30 a.m.
Estimated finish: around 2:31 p.m.
