CYCLING: Giro d’Italia 2.UWT Stage 21 2025 (ITA)

Giro d’Italia 2025: Stage 21 Preview – Rome to Rome (143km)

Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025 Start Location: Vatican Gardens (neutralized start) Finish Location: Rome (Via del Circo Massimo) Distance: 143 kilometers Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 meters Expected Finish Time: Around 18:45 CEST

The final stage of the Giro d’Italia 2025 is a largely flat, ceremonial ride into the heart of Rome, culminating in what is almost certainly going to be a bunch sprint. This stage offers one last opportunity for the fast men of the peloton to claim a prestigious Grand Tour stage victory.

The Route: The stage begins with a unique and symbolic neutralized parade through Vatican City, allowing riders to soak in the atmosphere and acknowledge the end of three weeks of grueling racing. From there, the peloton will head southwest towards the coast, reaching Lido di Castel Fusano near Ostia, before turning back towards the Italian capital.

The second part of the stage consists of eight laps of a 9.5-kilometer circuit entirely within central Rome. This circuit utilizes wide city roads, featuring a mix of asphalt and short sections of “sanpietrini” (cobblestones). While generally flat, the circuit does have some short undulations and technical corners that will require attention from the riders.

The Finish: The finishing straight on Via del Circo Massimo is 350 meters long and 8 meters wide. Crucially, it has a slight uphill gradient of 5%, which could favor punchier sprinters who can maintain their speed on a slight incline over pure flat-track specialists. The backdrop of ancient Roman monuments will provide a spectacular setting for the final sprint of the 108th Giro d’Italia.

General Classification Implications: Typically, the general classification is already settled before the final stage of a Grand Tour. This stage is primarily about celebrating the overall winner and the final sprint. While bonus seconds are available at an intermediate sprint and the finish line, they are unlikely to impact the top of the GC unless the gaps are exceptionally tight. The main goal for the overall contenders will be to cross the finish line safely and celebrate their achievements.

Sprinters’ Last Chance: This stage is tailor-made for the sprinters who have endured the mountains and time trials of the past three weeks. Expect their teams to control the pace, reel in any brave breakaway attempts, and set up their lead-out trains for a furious dash to the line. Riders who have performed well in previous sprints, such as Olav Kooij, Kaden Groves, and Mads Pedersen, are likely to be among the top contenders.

Overall: Stage 21 is a celebratory conclusion to the Giro d’Italia 2025, offering a final spectacle for the fans and a last shot at glory for the sprinters amidst the historic grandeur of Rome.

Giro d’Italia 2025: Stage 21 Overview with Sprint Classifications

Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025 Start Location: Vatican Gardens (neutralized start) Finish Location: Rome (Via del Circo Massimo) Distance: 143 kilometers Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 meters Expected Finish Time: Around 18:45 CEST

Stage Overview: The 21st and final stage of the Giro d’Italia 2025 is a largely ceremonial and flat stage, designed to conclude the race with a spectacular sprint finish in the historic city of Rome. The stage begins with a neutralized parade through Vatican City, a unique and symbolic start. Following this, the peloton will head southwest towards the coastal town of Ostia before returning to Rome for the finishing circuit.

The core of the stage consists of eight laps of a 9.5-kilometer circuit within central Rome. This circuit features wide city roads, some short undulations, and sections of “sanpietrini” (cobblestones), adding a technical element. The final 350 meters on Via del Circo Massimo are slightly uphill (5% gradient), which can influence the outcome of the sprint, potentially favoring sprinters with a stronger punch.

While the General Classification (Maglia Rosa) is typically decided on the penultimate stage, this final stage offers one last opportunity for sprinters to claim a prestigious Grand Tour stage victory.

Sprint Classifications (Maglia Ciclamino – Points Classification):

The Points Classification, worn by the rider in the Maglia Ciclamino (cyclamen jersey), is highly contested by sprinters throughout the Giro. Points are awarded at the end of each road stage and at designated intermediate sprints within stages. The final stage in Rome is a significant opportunity for riders to add to their points tally.

Points Awarded on Stage 21:

• Stage Finish (Via del Circo Massimo): As a flat stage, this stage offers the maximum number of points for the stage winner and subsequent finishers.
  • 1st place: 50 points
  • 2nd place: 35 points
  • 3rd place: 25 points
  • 4th place: 18 points
  • 5th place: 14 points
  • … (points are awarded down to 15th place, with 1 point for 15th)
• Intermediate Sprints (Traguardo Volante / TV): There will be at least one, and likely two, intermediate sprints on Stage 21, providing additional points.
  • 1st place: 12 points
  • 2nd place: 8 points
  • 3rd place: 5 points
  • 4th place: 3 points
  • 5th place: 1 point

Impact on the Points Classification: Given that this is the last stage, the points awarded here are crucial for the final standings of the Maglia Ciclamino. Riders who are close in the points classification will be fighting intensely for every point available at both the intermediate sprint(s) and the final finish line. The leader of the classification coming into this stage will likely have a strong lead, but a good performance here can solidify their victory or, in rare cases, lead to a last-minute change.

Key Contenders for the Stage Win (and Points): Expect the strongest sprinters who have made it through the mountains to be vying for this victory. Riders like Olav Kooij, Kaden Groves, and Mads Pedersen (who often excels in sprints and has a strong points tally) are likely to be among the favorites. Teams will be fully committed to setting up their designated sprinters for this final showdown.

Summary of the 21th stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia

The 21st and final stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia concluded in Rome with a predictable sprint finish, capping off a dramatic three weeks of racing.

Stage Winner: Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) claimed his second stage victory of the Giro, demonstrating his sprinting prowess on the pan-flat 143km circuit in the Italian capital. He edged out Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Matteo Moschetti (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) in the final meters.

Overall Winner: The main event of the day was the crowning of the Giro d’Italia champion, Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike). Yates secured the Maglia Rosa after a stunning performance on the penultimate mountain stage, overhauling previous leader Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). This victory marks a significant achievement for Yates, seven years after his heartbreak in a previous Giro.

Other Classifications:

• Points Classification (Maglia Ciclamino): Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) dominated the points classification, securing the jersey with a substantial lead.
• Mountains Classification (Maglia Azzurra): Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana Team) was the king of the mountains.
• Young Rider Classification (Maglia Bianca): Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) earned the white jersey as the best young rider.

The final stage was largely a celebratory procession for the overall contenders, allowing the sprinters one last chance for glory. The riders completed eight laps of a 9.5km circuit through Rome, featuring some technical corners and cobbled sectors, before the uphill sprint finish on Via del Circo Massimo.

Distinctive jerseys after 21th stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia

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