After the unveiling of the Tour de France 2026 route, the focus quickly shifts back to the Giro d’Italia. According to Italian media, the route is practically finalized. Ciclismo Sportrentino reports that the climb to Madonna di Campiglio will make a return.
Along the foothills of the Brenta Dolomites lies Madonna di Campiglio. This climb (about 11 km at 6%) has been included a handful of times in the Giro route (in 1999, 2015, and 2020) and is inextricably linked to Marco Pantani. Il Pirata delivered an unprecedented performance there in 1999. That year, the Italian climbing legend was at the peak of his powers and appeared on course for his second consecutive Giro victory.
In the mountain stage finishing in the ski village, he once again put the exclamation point on his dominance. It was his fourth win of that Giro, yet also his last. One day later, he was removed from the race in Madonna di Campiglio because of a hematocrit level that was too high (52%). His team, Mercatone Uno-Bianchi, then also withdrew from the race, which cleared the way for Ivan Gotti to claim the overall victory.
Less demanding final week?
Madonna di Campiglio will, 27 years after this dark chapter in cycling and six years after the last finish (which was won by Ben O'Connor), welcome the Giro d’Italia once again. This is reportedly set to happen at the start of the final week.
Furthermore, in the third week, the peloton is expected—according to Italian media and La Flamme Rouge—to face a less demanding route than in previous years. This should encourage GC contenders to launch their attacks earlier in the three-week race.
