2017 Giro d'Italia Race Preview
The details of this year's 2017 Giro d'Italia are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2017 Giro d'Italia promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated editions of the famous Italian race in recent memory, with a strong and varied field set to tackle a demanding and beautifully crafted route across the length of the Italian peninsula.
The race will get underway in Sardinia, with the opening stages on the island providing an early opportunity for the sprinters and the general classification contenders to find their legs before the race moves to the Italian mainland. From there the peloton will face an increasingly difficult challenge as the route winds its way through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain that Italy has to offer.
The man most eyes will be on is undoubtedly Tom Dumoulin of Team Sunweb. The powerful Dutch time trial specialist has been building toward a genuine tilt at a Grand Tour title and arrives at this race in excellent form. His ability to ride at sustained high power across long climbs as well as his obvious superiority against the clock makes him a genuine contender, though he will need to limit his losses on the steepest mountain finishes.
Nairo Quintana is perhaps the most complete climber in the world and the Colombian will be hugely motivated to add a second Giro title to the one he claimed back in 2014. His Movistar team is well equipped to support him and he will be especially dangerous on the longer Alpine and Dolomitic ascents.
Vincenzo Nibali will carry the passionate hopes of the Italian fans as he attempts to win the race on home roads for a second time. The Sicilian is a fierce competitor and a canny tactical rider who knows how to read a race and strike at the precise moment.
Thibaut Pinot, Ilnur Zakarin, Bauke Mollema and Bob Jungels all represent further potential threats to the overall classification, making this a genuinely open race with no clear favourite.
The route itself features several brutal mountain stages, with the Stelvio among the iconic climbs included in the parcours. The time trials should play a significant role in shaping the final outcome, which may ultimately favour a rider with the well rounded abilities of Dumoulin.
With such an enticing mix of terrain, talent and tactical intrigue, this edition of the Giro looks set to provide racing of the highest order from start to finish.
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