CYCLING: Giro d’Italia 2.UWT Stage 12 2025 (ITA)

Stage Preview

Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 is set for Thursday, May 22, 2025, and it’s a day that should see the sprinters come to the fore once again. The stage covers approximately 172 kilometers from Modena to Viadana (Oglio-Po).

Here’s a detailed preview:

Route Profile:

• Start: Modena, a city known for its balsamic vinegar and Ferrari.
• Early and Mid-Stage: The first roughly 100 kilometers of the stage are described as “undulating,” meaning there will be some gentle hills and rolling terrain. However, these are not significant climbs and shouldn’t pose a major challenge to the sprinters or their teams. The route will pass by some of the historic Matildic Castles.
• Flat Finale: After the initial undulating section, the remaining kilometers of the stage are completely flat. This sets up a classic bunch sprint finish.
• Circuit Finish: The riders will pass over the finish line in Viadana once before completing a 27-kilometer circuit. This allows teams to get a feel for the finish area and organize their lead-out trains.
• Final Kilometers: The last 3 kilometers are relatively straightforward with only one corner around 500 meters from the line. The roads are wide, well-maintained, and paved, with a 450-meter final straight on an 8-meter wide asphalt road.

Key Aspects & Predictions:

• Sprinter’s Paradise: This is arguably one of the most straightforward sprint stages of the 2025 Giro. The flat profile virtually guarantees a bunch sprint, making it a prime opportunity for the fast men of the peloton to contest the win and rack up points for the Maglia Ciclamino (points classification jersey).
• No GC Threats: The General Classification (GC) contenders will be looking to have a quiet day, conserving energy and avoiding any unnecessary risks. They will aim to stay safe within the peloton and finish with the main group, with no significant time gaps expected.
• Crosswind Alert: While the stage is flat, there are reports of potential strong southwestern crosswinds. This is a crucial factor, as crosswinds can cause splits in the peloton (echelons) and lead to unexpected time losses for unwary GC riders or even sprinters who get caught out. Teams will need to be extremely careful and organized, especially in exposed sections.
• Lead-out Trains: Expect fierce competition among the sprint teams to control the final kilometers and deliver their designated sprinters to the line in the best possible position. The team with the strongest and most cohesive lead-out train will have a significant advantage.

Who to Watch (based on common predictions):

• Top Sprinters:
  • Kaden Groves: A strong contender, often mentioned as a favorite for this type of stage.
  • Olav Kooij: Highly regarded as a fast finisher, who might be looking to make amends if he’s been boxed in on previous sprint opportunities.
  • Mads Pedersen: Always a threat in sprint finishes, especially those that aren’t perfectly flat, but can also handle pure sprints.
  • Sam Bennett: A proven winner who will be eager for a stage victory.
• Other Fast Men: Casper van Uden, Milan Fretin, Matteo Moschetti, Max Kanter, Paul Magnier, Giovanni Lonardi, Orluis Aular, and Maikel Zijlaard.

In summary, Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 is a classic sprint stage, largely flat and designed for the fast men. However, potential crosswinds could add an element of tension and require careful riding from all teams.

Stage 12 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025. It will be a 172-kilometer stage starting in Modena and finishing in Viadana (Oglio-Po).

Here’s an overview:

• Start: Modena
• Finish: Viadana (Oglio-Po)
• Distance: 172 km
• Type: Primarily a flat stage, ideal for sprinters.
• Terrain: The first 100 kilometers or so will be slightly undulating through the Emilia-Romagna region. After Quattro Castella, the terrain becomes completely flat.
• Key Features:
  • While there are a few small climbs early on, none are categorized as major ascents. The main obstacle is the climb to Borsea (3.9 km at 5.5%).
  • The stage will feature a flat local circuit in Viadana before the finish.
  • The final 3 kilometers are largely straight with just one corner about 500 meters from the finish line. The roads are wide and well-maintained.
• Expected Outcome: This stage is widely anticipated to be a bunch sprint finish, giving the fast men of the peloton a prime opportunity for a stage victory. General Classification (GC) contenders will likely aim to conserve energy and avoid any mishaps on this relatively straightforward day.

Modena, the start city, is famous for its automotive industry (Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani) and its culinary delights, including Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Viadana, making its Giro debut, is known for its agricultural tradition and proximity to the Po River.

Summary of the 12th stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia

Stage 12 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, a 172km ride from Modena to Viadana (Oglio-Po), was a day for the sprinters and culminated in a thrilling bunch sprint finish.

Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) emerged victorious, expertly navigated by a powerful lead-out from teammate Wout van Aert. Kooij launched his sprint from the wheel of fellow Dutchman Casper van Uden (Picnic PostNL), who had initiated his sprint early.

The stage profile featured two categorized climbs in the first half – Baiso (Cat. 3) and Borsea (Cat. 3) – but the final 70km were entirely flat, setting the stage for the expected high-speed finish.

A three-man breakaway consisting of Andrea Pietrobon, Giosuè Epis, and Manuele Tarozzi was reeled in with around 35km to go, allowing the sprint teams to prepare for the finale.

In the sprint, Casper van Uden finished second, with Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) taking third. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), the current Maglia Ciclamino holder, finished fourth, further extending his lead in the points classification.

Despite the sprint finish, the General Classification saw some minor changes. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) maintained his lead in the Maglia Rosa. Richard Carapaz, who had attacked earlier in the stage, gained some time bonuses, but it was largely a day where the GC contenders aimed to avoid incident.

Distinctive jerseys after 12th stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia

Source: https://www.instagram.com/giroditalia/