The fifth stage of the 2026 Giro, between Praia a Mare and Potenza, promises to be the first serious test for the maglia rosa contenders. With 203 kilometers and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain, the peloton leaves the coast and enters a broken profile that invites long-range attacks. It will be a day of attrition designed to make a difference before the high mountains.
The technical analysis of the 4,000 meters of elevation gain 🚵
The stage accumulates several climbs without special category passes, but with sustained gradients averaging around 8%. The key will be pace management, as the total elevation gain is spread over long, constant sections. Teams with a strong flat block must protect their leaders on the technical descents. The final 15 kilometers are leg-breakers, with several short ramps favoring fast climbers.
The revenge of the GPS that didn't warn about the hills 😅
Sports directors will scrutinize the maps, although some cyclists have already asked for a panic button to be included in the GPS. The stage is ideal for remembering that the legs command, not the screens. Expect to see a favorite doing calculations on their fingers as the group splits. In the end, Potenza will welcome a reduced group, and some domestique will swear the profile looked flatter on paper.