6 Must Watch Stages of the 2024 Giro d'Italia

Race fans, mark your calendars to watch these explosive stages for the GC contenders at the 2024 Tour of Italy next May.

The 2023 edition was won by Primož Roglic (Jumbo-Visma), with the Slovenian taking the pink jersey from Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) in a dramatic penultimate-day mountain time trial on Monte Lussari.

It is unlikely that the Giro will feature its defending champion, Primož Roglic after he made a move from Jumbo-Visma to Bora-Hansgrohe with the express goal of winning the Tour de France. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) is gearing up for his Tour de France debut so probbaly won't be returning to the Giro either.

Jonas Vingegaard looks set to return for a third yellow jersey in France, but that could leave the door open for 2023 Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss, who won in dramatic fashion and step into a full leadership role.

There are a host of other potential big-name GC contenders, including 2022 Giro champion Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula), and Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers).

The big question is whether Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) could be tempted to race?

Stage 2 - Sunday May 5th

The first summit finish comes early in the 107th edition on stage 2 to Oropa after 150km. With 85km of rolling roads and two third category climbs prior to the final climb, it suits a breakaway, but it's highly likely that the GC contenders will come out and stamp their authority on the race on it's lower slopes to show their strength.

The Oropa climb is 11.8km long at an 6.2% average gradient with sections of up to 13%. The difficulty of this descent lies in its irregularity, with the gradient constantly shifting. Let the GC battle commence!

Stage 8 - Saturday May 11 2024

The first real climbing stage of the race comes on stage eight as the riders face some tough ascents in the Apennines. With plenty of climbing throughout the stage, the riders climb the Forca Capistrello climb first, which is 16.3km long. They then reach the Croce Abbio after around 100km of racing before heading down a fast descent to the foot of the final Prati di Tivo climb which is 14km at 7% average. 

Stage 8 will give the GC contenders another chance to take some time before the first rest day.

Stage 10 - Tuesday May 14 2024

Things begin again with a bang after the first rest day of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Stage 10 leaves the famous archeological site of Pompeii, heading north towards along the Adriatic coast, through Nola and Montesarchio on flat roads, but the climbs kick in quickly after that, with the Taburno and the Camposauro climbs. After a short descent, the long final climb to Cusano Mutri will be tackled, spanning 18km at 5.6% average gradient – with pitches at 10%.

GC riders will need to be attentive all day!

Stage 15 - Sunday May 19 2024

The high mountains begin on stage 15 as riders head into the high Alps, via Switzerland. The peloton will spend their second rest day at altitude in Livigno and the third week of racing is littered with mountain climbs in the Dolomites.

Stage 15 is the race's longest stage at 220km,  and one of the most difficult. Leaving Lake Garda, the peloton will head into the Alps, via Switzerland, and finish on a new climb in Livigno - the Mottolino - whose summit is yet to be laid with asphalt.

By this time, the real contenders in the GC race will become clearer.

Stage 16 - Tuesday May 21 2024

The iconic Stelvio returns on stage 16, after a four-year absence. Cycling fans around the world will be thrilled to learn the Cima Coppi will be part of the stage 16 route. This will be the highest point of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. The 200km stage route takes the riders from Livigno to Santa Crostina Valgardena.

A long, tough day in the saddle as the final week starts, where GC contenders can take time on their rivals.

Stage 20 - Saturday May 25 2024

The penultimate stage 20 features a double ascent of the Monte Grappa, before a descent to the line in the foothills.

Its the final chance for the GC contenders to make any significant changes! The start is relatively flat, the first ascent of Monte Grappa climb comes after 80km, spanning 18.2km at an average gradient of 8.1%, the Monte Grappa is extremely challenging, especially when tackled twice in one stage! There is a fast descent to the finish in Bassano del Grappa where the stage winner and the overall race winner will be decided.

This stage could see the race leader consolidate his lead or loose the race!