The Tour de France pays homage to Marco Pantani with the second Italian stage from Cesenatico to Bologna. Despite a reduced difference in altitude compared to the first stage, the finish line in Bologna maintains a high level of difficulty.
After a virtual start from Cesenatico and a transfer of almost 10 km, the official start will take place in Cervia. The stage crosses the Romagna plain passing through Ravenna, Russi and Faenza. The first significant climbs begin in Brisighella, culminating in the Gallisterna, a climb made famous by Davide Cassani and now a symbol of the Tour after having characterized the 2020 Imola World Championship and the 2022 Italian Championship.
The route includes a stretch in the “Enzo e Dino Ferrari” racetrack and passes through Imola and Toscanella di Dozza, where the intermediate sprint is located. After leaving Romagna, the route becomes even more challenging on the Bolognese hills with climbs such as the Botteghino, Monte Calvo and the double ascent to the Madonna di San Luca, known for its toughness and a historic part of the Giro dell’Emilia.
The final summit, 13 km from the finish, precedes a descent that leads to the finish line in Bologna. The finale promises a natural selection among the cyclists, with favorites such as Mathieu Van der Poel and Primoz Roglic, winner of 4 editions on the San Luca. A fraction that celebrates the history of cycling and the memory of Pantani, offering a technical and fascinating route that will surely capture the attention of enthusiasts.
