From Calabria, the 2026 Giro Next Gen heads into Basilicata, with the rolling 166-kilometre Sibari–Villa d’Agri di Marsicovetere stage expected to be fiercely contested and highly unpredictable. For both locations, it marks a first-ever appearance on the map of top-level cycling.
The race’s first mountain stage gets underway. From Sibari, the riders climb towards the Campotenese Pass (Category 2, 9 km at 5.2%) through the Pollino massif, before continuing into the Lucanian hinterland on a constantly undulating route featuring the uncategorised climbs of the Prestieri Pass (7.5 km at 5.1%) and the Serra Cavallo Pass (7.8 km at 4.6%).
The finale is demanding, with the ascent to Viaggiano (5.4 km at 5.5%) coming 15 kilometres from the finish in Villa d’Agri, providing the perfect launchpad for anyone looking to go for the stage win.
The first mountain stage of the 2026 Giro Next Gen is expected to favour the punchy climbers and overall contenders rather than the pure sprinters. Pre-race favourite Lorenzo Finn (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Rookies) appears particularly well suited to the uphill terrain and will be one of the main riders to watch, alongside his teammate and Maglia Rosa Davide Donati, who could survive the climbs and remain in contention if a reduced group reaches the finish together. Aubin Sparfel (Decathlon CMA CGM Development Team), third on Stage 2, also possesses the characteristics to excel on such a demanding parcours, while aggressive riders like Seth Dunwoody (Bahrain Victorious Development), Daan Dijkman (VolkerWessels Cycling Team), Rémi Daumas (Groupama-FDJ) and Kamiel Eeman (Lotto Development Team) could look to take advantage of the selective finale. With the climb to Viggiano cresting just 15 kilometres from the line, attacks from the general classification contenders are to be expected, making a late solo move or a sprint from a small group the most likely outcome.
Sibari – Villa d’Agri di Marsicotevere, 166 km
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Official Start (KM 0): 12:20 PM
Expected Finish Time: 4:30 PM
TV: The race dedicated to the brightest talents in world cycling will be broadcast live on the Discovery+ and HBO Max streaming platforms from 2:30 PM onwards.
