The Giro d’Italia Women is entering a pivotal phase as the peloton tackles two of the most demanding stages of the 2026 edition: the Nevegal cronoscalata on Tuesday and the Longarone-Santo Stefano stage on Wednesday. These routes, steeped in the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites, promise to test the endurance, strategy, and resolve of the world’s top cyclists. As the race moves into the mountainous terrain, the battle for the maglia rosa (pink jersey) intensifies, with key contenders poised to make their mark.
The Nevegal Cronoscalata: A Test of Strength and Precision
The Nevegal cronoscalata, a 14.3-kilometer time trial starting in Belluno, is a defining moment in the Giro d’Italia Women. The route ascends the iconic Nevegal Pass, a climb that has become a staple of the race due to its technical complexity and elevation gain of approximately 1,200 meters. For riders, this stage is as much about mental fortitude as physical power, requiring a delicate balance between maintaining a high speed and conserving energy for the days ahead.
According to reports, the stage has been adjusted to ensure safety and fairness. The Italian road authority, Veneto Region, has implemented temporary road closures and traffic diversions to accommodate the event. Cyclists will navigate a mix of narrow, winding roads and high-altitude stretches, with the final 3 kilometers featuring a steep, 12% gradient that could decide the stage’s outcome.
The Nevegal time trial has a storied history in the Giro d’Italia. In previous editions, it has been a battleground for time trial specialists and all-rounders alike. For the 2026 race, the stage is expected to highlight the growing competitiveness of the women’s peloton, with riders like Annemiek van der Breggen and Marianne Vos (Longo Borghini) among the favorites. Van der Breggen, a two-time world champion, has historically excelled in time trials, while Vos, known for her tactical acumen, will look to capitalize on her experience in mountainous terrain.
Longarone-Santo Stefano: A Stage of Strategy and Drama
The following day, the race shifts to the Longarone-Santo Stefano stage, a 175-kilometer route that combines flat stretches with a final climb to the village of Santo Stefano. This stage is designed to favor sprinters and climbers, creating a dynamic finish that could see the overall standings shift dramatically.
The route begins in Longarone, a town in the Veneto region, and winds through the Dolomite foothills before reaching the final ascent. The last 15 kilometers feature a series of technical descents and steep climbs, including the Cima di San Vito, a 10-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 7%. The stage’s final 3 kilometers are particularly treacherous, with a 10% gradient that could separate the leaders from the rest of the peloton.
For the overall classification, the Longarone-Santo Stefano stage is a critical opportunity for riders to gain or lose time. The stage’s mix of terrain allows for both breakaways and late attacks, making it a stage that could see the maglia rosa change hands. Riders like Elisa Balsamo, who has worn the pink jersey in previous editions, will be under pressure to defend their position, while younger contenders such as Lotte Kopecky
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