This is live stage 9 of the Giro d’Italia 2025. Where Pogacar used to crash, the Giro peloton now runs by.

Stage nine of the Giro d’Italia immediately stood out when the route was unveiled, and for good reason. It’s a stage that borrows heavily from the allure of the Strade Bianche, a race that has rapidly gained prestige and popularity thanks to its dramatic gravel sectors and rolling Tuscan landscapes. Incorporating these iconic white roads into a Grand Tour promises unpredictability, excitement, and a real test of rider skill and endurance.

Held on the Sunday before the second rest day, this stage is perfectly positioned to be a decisive moment. Fatigue will already be building, and any mistakes on the loose gravel could have serious consequences in the general classification. Riders with cyclocross experience or a history of strong Strade Bianche performances—think Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, or Julian Alaphilippe—could shine here.

In short, this is more than just a tribute to a beloved one-day classic. It’s a tactical battleground that may reshape the Giro. Keep an eye on this stage—its combination of terrain, timing, and drama could make it the most memorable of the entire race.

Tuscany truly is a feast for the senses, and during the Giro d’Italia, it transforms from a cycling backdrop into a visual masterpiece. By May, the region shifts into early summer mode—golden hues slowly overtaking the spring green, casting a warm, nostalgic glow over the landscape. The pressure is indeed on for the TV director: every sweeping drone shot has the potential to become iconic.

This stage nine journey begins not in Tuscany itself, but in neighboring Umbria, specifically the medieval town of Gubbio in the province of Perugia. The riders will first tackle La Cima, a third-category climb—short but sharp enough to warm up the legs and maybe spark a few early moves. From there, the peloton heads westward through Sinalunga and enters the Siena province near San Giovanni d’Asso, where the tone of the day changes dramatically.

That’s where the real intrigue begins—with the first gravel sector, 8 kilometers long, unfurling between San Giovanni d’Asso and Buonconvento. This is classic Strade Bianche territory: undulating terrain, loose surfaces, and scenery that belies the brutality of the racing. The key feature in this section is a 1.9 km climb at 5.3%, a gentle rise on paper but one that could start to stress the legs and splinter the field ever so slightly—especially if the gravel is dry and dusty.

It’s a perfect opening act for what promises to be a tense, tactical, and visually unforgettable day.

Once we leave Buonconvento, sector 2 follows, with a length of 9.3 kilometers. Extra caution is needed here, because not only does the sector start uphill, but the descent is extremely steep. A great place to attack, because after this relatively flat section, we immediately hit sector 3: another 9.3 kilometers, ending with a fourth-category climb.

As the riders roll out of Buonconvento, the stage begins to sharpen its teeth. Sector 2, at 9.3 kilometers, comes quickly and demands full focus—not just from the riders, but from the team directors and mechanics as well. The sector opens with an uphill stretch, meaning positioning will be critical. Those caught napping at the back could lose contact early.

But it’s the descent that makes this sector particularly treacherous. Steep and potentially loose under wheel, it could create natural gaps and force mistakes. A bold rider could exploit this moment to attack, especially if the peloton is hesitating or struggling to find rhythm on the gravel.

From there, there’s barely time to regroup before Sector 3 begins—another 9.3 kilometers, a punishing continuation of the white-road gauntlet. The finale of this sector includes a fourth-category climb, which could act as a springboard for punchy riders. It’s not long or steep enough to force huge time gaps, but with tired legs and nerves already tested, it may be the first real selection point of the day.

At this point in the stage, the race is no longer just scenic—it’s strategic and physically draining. Each sector is stacking fatigue, and any mechanicals or misjudged efforts here could cost riders dearly. And with more white roads to come, the sense of tension will only grow.

The heart of this Giro d’Italia stage beats strongest in its final third—a relentless sequence of climbs, gravel, and technical challenges that echo the spirit of Strade Bianche, even without its most famous sector.

While it’s not Monte Sante Marie, the segment leading up to San Martino in Grania is no mere prelude. With gradients ticking up to 7%, 8%, and even 9%, it’s a physically and technically demanding section that will thin the field. By the time the peloton crests San Martino, 35 kilometers from the finish, the race will likely be in pieces, with only the strongest (and smartest) riders still in contention.

From there, it’s a flat-out charge into Strade Bianche’s finale territory. After Monteaperti, the riders hit a steep gravel climb—short but savage—followed by an extremely steep paved wall. This is a pivotal moment, one that could invite a decisive attack or expose cracks in tired legs. Then comes a familiar scene for cycling fans: the descent where Tadej Pogačar famously overshot into the bushes, a reminder that even the best can falter here.

The road then tilts sharply up again with the entrance to Colle Pinzuto, where the opening 440 meters pitch up to a brutal 11%—a launchpad for climbers and puncheurs. But unlike the Strade Bianche route, this Giro stage turns left after Pinzuto, bypassing Le Tolfe and leaving the white roads behind.

Yet, even as the gravel ends, the difficulty doesn’t. The final run-in to Siena is jagged with climbs, demanding constant changes in rhythm. And finally, the iconic finish on the Piazza del Campo—with that steep cobbled ramp—beckons. It’s a fitting finale: technical, scenic, and tailor-made for a dramatic, explosive conclusion.

Expect a mix of GC contenders, classics specialists, and gravel-savvy outsiders to all be in the mix. This isn’t just a stage—it’s a mini monument inside a Grand Tour.

Stage 9 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia is set to be a thrilling and unpredictable affair, and the latest details only heighten the anticipation. Here’s a full breakdown:

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🕒 Stage Schedule

• Start: 1:05 PM local time (7:05 AM EDT) – Gubbio, Umbria
• Expected Finish: ~5:12 PM local time (11:12 AM EDT) – Piazza del Campo, Siena

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🌦 Weather Forecast

• Start in Gubbio: Dry at rollout.
• Mid-stage: Showers expected to roll in; a mix of sunshine and intermittent rain.
• Gravel Sectors: Conditions will likely be damp but not soaked—enough to make the white roads tricky and unpredictable, especially on descents, without the full chaos of mud.
• Finish in Siena: Likely to clear up by the time riders arrive, but the decisive damage will have been done earlier on the slippery sections.

Expect varying grip levels across the course, with wet gravel climbs and descents making handling skills just as important as power.

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🔥 Stage 9 Favorites

🥇 Top Favorite: Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers)

• Why: 2nd in this year’s Strade Bianche, a master of technical descents and gravel. With a time gap of 1:27 to the GC lead, he’s a perfect candidate to go in the breakaway—strong enough to win, but not (yet) enough of a GC threat to draw a hard chase.
• Advantage: Willing to take risks downhill that GC contenders will avoid. This stage suits his cyclocross and MTB skillset perfectly.

🔥 Major Threat: Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek)

• Gap to pink: 1:34
• Why: Powerful, aggressive, and tactically smart. He’s been riding strongly and could either go in a breakaway or follow key moves from climbers or rouleurs.

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🎯 Dark Horses

• Alessandro De Marchi – A gravel-savvy veteran who thrives in breakaways.
• Quinn Simmons (Lidl-Trek) – If Vacek isn’t the card to play, Simmons has the engine and grit for a day like this.
• Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ) – Consistent on mixed terrain and a strong finisher.
• Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – A specialist in this terrain; not a GC threat, so likely to get freedom.

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🧠 GC Dynamics

Expect the big names to ride defensively—watching each other, staying upright, and avoiding unnecessary risk on the gravel. But if the pace ramps up, riders like Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, or João Almeida might not resist testing legs on Colle Pinzuto or the final ramp into Siena.

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🏁 Conclusion

With unpredictable weather, technical terrain, and GC riders focused more on survival than domination, this stage screams breakaway victory. Look for daring descenders, gravel experts, and resilient puncheurs to animate the day.

If Tom Pidcock has the legs—and the luck—this could be one of the most iconic wins of his career.

The contenders list for Stage 9 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 reads like an all-star cast for a modern-day gravel classic. With a Strade Bianche-inspired route, unpredictable weather, and a selective profile, we’re looking at a clash between gravel specialists, stage hunters, and motivated outsiders. Here’s an updated, expanded breakdown of the key names to watch:

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🧨 Breakaway & Gravel Specialists

🇫🇷 Romain Bardet (Picnic–PostNL)

• Credentials: 2nd on the Piazza del Campo in Strade Bianche.
• Status: Crashed on stage 7, but rebounded with an aggressive ride on stage 8. If his recovery holds up, he’s a strong dark horse.
• Strength: Experienced, great descender, and thrives in selective terrain.

🇮🇹 Davide Formolo (Movistar)

• Credentials: 2nd in 2020 Strade Bianche, consistently good in Tuscany.
• Style: Strong in breakaways and highly motivated on home soil. Knows exactly how to manage these rolling gravel efforts.

🇪🇸 Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious)

• Pedigree: Durable, tactical rider who has shown class on Tuscany’s white roads.
• Versatility: Can win from a small group or solo. Always thrives in chaotic stages.

🇩🇰 Mads Pedersen (Lidl–Trek)

• Big question mark: Has worn pink and spent energy defending it, plus the repeated climbs may dull his sprint.
• Danger: If he survives the last climbs, he’s deadly in a reduced bunch sprint, but it’s a long shot.

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🌟 Top-Tier Gravel Threats

🇧🇪 Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike)

• 2020 Strade Bianche winner, and one of the best gravel technicians in the peloton.
• Unknowns: Not yet dominant this Giro, but if he has the legs, this is his kind of day.
• Wildcard: Capable of turning the stage into a solo demolition job.

🇮🇹 Filippo Zana (Jayco–AlUla)

• Strong past performances on this terrain.
• Role: More likely to go in the break, but if the GC riders mark each other, he can exploit that.

🇮🇹 Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)

• Form check: Very present in this year’s Strade finale.
• Aggressive and savvy, he knows how to sniff out the winning move.

🇩🇰 Kasper Asgreen (EF Education–EasyPost)

• Tough, diesel engine for gravel and rolling terrain.
• Big engine + tactical head = real threat if he gets in the move of the day.

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🎀 The Pink Jersey Factor

🇮🇹 Diego Ulissi (Astana Qazaqstan)

• Current Maglia Rosa.
• Style: Not the pure climber you’d expect in pink, but savvy and technical.
• Motivation: Racing in pink on a stage that suits his punchy profile = expect fireworks. Will he defend or attack?

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🔮 Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?

• Top Picks:
  • Tom Pidcock – Pure gravel class, time gap suits a breakaway.
  • Wout van Aert – If his form clicks, nobody stops him.
  • Mathias Vacek – Young, powerful, fearless—perfect for chaos.
• Dark Horses:
  • Bardet – If healthy.
  • Bilbao/Formolo – Masters of tactical racing on rough roads.
  • Asgreen/Vendrame – Engines with grit.
• Don’t rule out a late GC ambush on the steep ramps into Siena if someone senses an opportunity. But for most favorites, it’s about limiting losses, not taking risks.

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One thing is certain: Stage 9 will shake the Giro tree, and more than a few favorites may be left in the gravel dust.

With Stage 9 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia just around the corner, and a Strade Bianche-style profile promising tactical chaos, technical challenges, and weather-related unpredictability, IDLProCycling.com’s favorites list gives us a comprehensive map of likely protagonists. Let’s distill the key takeaways and give you a tiered breakdown of the riders to watch:

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🏆 Top Favorites

These are the riders most likely to go for the stage win and who have the form, skillset, and situation to do so:

🇬🇧 Tom Pidcock (Q36.5)

• Perfect storm of talent and terrain. Gravel? Check. Steep ramps? Check. Risk-taking? Absolutely.
• Form: Lost GC time, freeing him to target stage wins.
• Verdict: The number-one favorite—and for good reason.

🇪🇸 Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious)

• Smart racer with a Strade Bianche background.
• Versatility: Can follow GC wheels or join a breakaway.
• Verdict: If he smells an opening, he’ll take it. A highly credible winner.

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🎯 Outsiders with Real Threat

These riders could win, especially from a break or if the favorites hesitate:

🇨🇿 Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek)

• Aggressive, powerful, and fearless—a real wildcard.
• Time gap (1:34) makes him dangerous enough to matter but not scary enough to chase.

🇮🇹 Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek)

• Loves attacking, good on short, steep climbs and gravel.
• Could emerge late in the race if he has the legs.

🇫🇷 Romain Bardet (Picnic-PostNL)

• Unclear health post-crash, but tactically sharp and experienced on gravel.

🇮🇹 Davide Formolo (Movistar)

• Always up for a gritty, selective stage. If the breakaway sticks, he’s a big card.

🇧🇪 Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike)

• Big name, big engine, but a question mark on form.
• If the legs respond, he can destroy this course.

🇪🇸 Juan Ayuso & 🇲🇽 Isaac Del Toro (UAE)

• Both are GC-capable, but they also ride confidently on gravel.
• If UAE wants to apply pressure late, these two could animate the finale.

🇨🇴 Egan Bernal (INEOS)

• Rebuilding well, comfortable on technical courses, and could ride into contention if the favorites hesitate.

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💥 Long Shots

Less likely, but if the right group gets away or chaos reigns, any of these could surprise:

🇮🇹 Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon AG2R)

• On great form, active in recent Strade Bianche.
• Suited to the rolling terrain and chaos.

🇩🇰 Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

• May be fatigued from wearing pink, and this stage is climbier than ideal, but if he survives to Siena…

🇮🇹 Mattia Cattaneo (Soudal Quick-Step)

• Solid breakaway man, knows how to suffer through rolling stages.

🇸🇮 Primož Roglič (Red Bull–BORA)

• Not likely to risk big attacks, but if gaps are tight, he could still go for the win in Siena.

🇮🇹 Diego Ulissi (XDS Astana)

• Wears the pink jersey, so likely to defend.
• Still, he’s a classy rider on mixed terrain and will fight hard to limit losses or snatch a result.

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📈 Other Names to Watch (Form + Aggression)

These are riders who’ve already shown strong legs in week 1:

• Paul Double (Jayco-AlUla)
• Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon)
• Wilco Kelderman (Visma)
• Christian Scaroni & Lorenzo Fortunato (Astana)
• Quinten Hermans (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
• Florian Stork (Tudor)
• Milan Vader (Q36.5)

If a large break forms, these guys could very well be part of it.

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🧠 GC Riders to Watch

Some of these names may go on the defensive—but if the race explodes, don’t rule them out entirely from contesting the stage:

• Simon Yates (Visma)
• Richard Carapaz (EF)
• Adam Yates (UAE)
• Michael Storer (Tudor)
• Derek Gee (Israel–Premier Tech)
• Max Poole (Picnic-PostNL)
• Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain)

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🔚 Final Summary

• Most likely scenario: A breakaway wins, with Pidcock, Bilbao, and Vacek the prime suspects.
• Wildcard scenario: GC skirmishes on Colle Pinzuto blow the race wide open.
• Weather: Wet gravel sectors early could cause splits and crashes, so expect chaos.

If you’re tuning in, don’t miss the final 50 km—that’s where the real Giro drama will unfold.