Altimetry in hand, this might be regarded as the Queen Stage of the Giro Next Gen 2024. The Borgo Virgilio – Fosse, 160 km, features four KOMs and an uphill finish, for a total of 3200 metres of elevation gain. Those aiming to win the race will have no choice but to make a move here, because then it might be too late to overturn a poor GC situation.

After 55 flat kilometres, the first climb will take the riders from Negrar di Valpolicella to Fane (about 10 kilometres via Prun), but the gradients will start to get tougher in the next asperity, heading towards the village of Righi. 4 km at 8.2% that will no doubt put the riders’ legs to test. After crossing the finish line in Marano di Valpolicella, the peloton will tackle the climb towards Cavalo (8.3 km at 5.6%), cresting it with 43 km to go. However, the stage will more than likely be decided on the final climb of Fosse: 9 km at 8.5%, destined to make a big difference among the GC men

Valpolicella is characterised by a hilly landscape with narrow valleys and slopes covered mainly with vineyards and olive groves, and is world-famous for its fine wines, including the renowned Amarone, as well as Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso and Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet dessert wine.

For both Borgo Virgilio, a municipality in the province of Mantua crossed by the River Mincio and the River Po, and Fosse, this is a first time in great cycling. The Valpolicella area, however, is known to fans for the GP Palio del Recioto, one of the most prestigious international U23 classics in Europe, which is held in Negrar.