Stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia in the Dolomites is set to be a challenging day for riders, with five climbs and practically zero kilometres of flat terrain. The stage kicks off with the Cat. 2 Passo Sella, a nearly 9km climb at a 7.4% gradient. Riders then face the Cat. 1 Passo Rolle, a 20km climb with an average gradient of just under 5%, followed by the easier Cat. 3 Passo Gobbera. The most serious challenges come with the dual ascent of the Passo Brocon, first as a Cat. 2 climb of 13.3km at 6.5%, and then a tougher Cat. 1 effort of 12.2km at 6.4% with a maximum tilt of 14%.
Although only the Passo Sella climbs above the 2,000m mark, the succession of climbs on this stage will make it a key test for riders in the final week of the Giro d’Italia. Fans can watch Stage 17 on Wednesday, May 22 from 11:00 UK time on Eurosport 1, or ad-free on discovery+. The UK coverage will include The Breakaway, hosted by Orla Chennaoui with guests like Dan Lloyd, Adam Blythe, and Robbie McEwen. Former Jumbo-Visma star Nathan van Hooydonck will join for the final week as Blythe resumes his motorbike duties in Italy.
The Giro d’Italia 2024 features a range of stages with different terrains, including hilly, flat, and summit finishes. The race begins on May 4 with a stage from Venaria Reale to Torino, and concludes on May 26 with a flat stage in Roma. Stage 17, set in the Dolomites, will be a particularly challenging day for riders with multiple climbs and little flat terrain. The TV schedule for the Giro d’Italia includes coverage of each stage, with The Breakaway providing pre- and post-stage analysis for fans.
Throughout the Giro d’Italia, viewers can follow the action on Eurosport 1 or discovery+ to catch all the thrilling moments of the race. The stage on May 22 features the challenging climbs of the Dolomites, including the Passo Sella and Passo Brocon. As riders battle it out on the steep gradients and relentless ascents, fans can watch the drama unfold and see who will emerge victorious. Whether it’s a solo breakaway, a thrilling sprint finish, or a fight for the overall lead, the Giro d’Italia promises excitement and drama for cycling enthusiasts.
With each stage presenting its own unique challenges, riders in the Giro d’Italia must navigate diverse terrains and difficult climbs to compete for the coveted pink jersey. From the hilly stages to the summit finishes, every day on the Giro is a test of endurance and skill for the cyclists. Stage 17, with its gruelling climbs in the Dolomites, will be a crucial moment in the race as riders battle for position and seek to gain an advantage over their rivals. As the Giro d’Italia reaches its final week, the competition heats up, and the stakes are higher than ever.
