The GC battle played out on the final mountain stage of the race with its double ascent of Monte Grappa and now its time for the overall contenders to enjoy their successes while the sprinters who have survived the climbing torture-fest get another turn to show their wares.
So far Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) and Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) have led the way, with Milan having won stage 4, 11 and 13 while Merlier claimed stage 3 and 18. The final stage of the race could deliver a continuation of that battle or perhaps the chance for one of those sprinters such as Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) that have been relegated to the lower steps by the strength of Milan and Merlier.
The 125km final stage which starts and finishes in Rome is largely flat. First, the race heads out 16 kilometers to Lido di Castel Fusano on the Tyrrhenian Sea and then heads back to the city streets for eight laps of 9.5km with a few short cobbled sections.
The final battle for the sprinters will play out on a wide and cobbled road, with a 350m long finishing straight. The stage honours will then be celebrated, but the biggest of the fan fare will be for the overall victor, with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) set to once and for all claim the maglia rosa that he pulled on after the second stage of his debut appearance at the Giro d’Italia.
Stage 21 Sprints
- Intermediate sprint, km. 68
- Intergiro bonus sprint, km. 96.5
- Time bonus sprint, km. 106
