Giro ONLINE: Excursion to Strade Bianche. Gravel in the Ninth Stage Both Scares and Entices

The Giro d'Italia riders are set to take on an unpredictable ninth stage today, riding the gravel sections around Siena, made famous by the spring Italian classic Strade Bianche. The 181-kilometer ride from Gubbio to Siena, through the Tuscan hills, climbs 2,500 meters in altitude and includes five challenging gravel sections. It started at 1 p.m. and the finish line is expected to be just after 5 p.m.

The organizers of the Gira d’Italia have prepared a spectacular end to the first week. And yet, cyclists will not face the Apennines, the Dolomites, or the Alps. Just a ride through rolling Tuscany and thirty kilometers of gravel. The ninth stage is inspired by the popular spring classic Strade Bianche, and the final finish in Siena is even identical. Follow the entire course of the day in a detailed online report from 13.05.

Like an air of Strade Bianche, this stage of the strati (earthpaths) could cause falls, punctures and other mechanical incidents. The race of 181 km is to follow this Sunday, May 18.

The cyclists will face a challenging test on the ninth stage of the Tour of Italy today, which will also take them along five gravel sections from the spring classic Strade Bianche. The gravel and the general profile of the stage will once again offer many opportunities for breakaways, which the candidates for the overall victory, led by Primož Roglič, will have to watch out for.