In an eight-day stage race, opportunities for those who thrive on long-range attacks are far from guaranteed. The route of the Giro d’Italia Women 2025 makes it rather unclear whether a breakaway will succeed, but statistics from 2024 provide hope for would-be fugitives. Last year, long-range attacks triumphed no less than three times. Not traditional early-stage breakaways, but powerful moves by small groups, often initiated in the latter half of the fraction. This should be enough to spark the imagination of attackers. One thing is certain: whether in a break or not, winning a stage at the Giro Women requires exceptional strength and perfect timing.

Analyzing the stage profiles, the first opportunity for a successful mid-to-long-distance attack could come as early as Stage 2, the 99 km Clusone – Aprica. With only the Bergamo time trial in their legs, the peloton’s hierarchy won’t yet be firmly established, and it’s uncertain whether the favorites will want to push their teams to the limit so early in the race – especially with a challenging finale featuring a steady climb in the last 15 kilometers. In such a context, an early move might prove to be a wise strategy, particularly since time gaps are likely to be small, and the Maglia Rosa might be within reach.

Stage 6, the 144 km Bellaria/Igea Marina – Terre Roveresche (Orciano di Pesaro), seems tailor-made for attackers. The route includes a crossing into San Marino with an opening climb, followed by the punchy ascents of Mondaino, Montericcardo, Beato Sante, and Villa del Monte, capped off by a climb to Mondavio near the finish. This makes the stage too complex for sprinters but not selective enough for GC favorites. With good timing and wise energy management, this fraction looks perfect for a breakaway.

The final stage, the 138 km from Forlì to Imola, might also reward riders bold enough to launch a long-range attack. The Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome circuit, along with the climbs of Mazzolano and Gallisterna, will make it rather challenging for any group to organize a chase. Additionally, after a grueling week of racing, the peloton’s energy reserves will be depleted. However, one key factor will be the fight for the Maglia Rosa as the breakaway riders would no doubt be advantaged by an already well-delineated situation. Otherwise, time bonuses at the finish line might tempt some contenders to chase them down.