The splendid shores of Lake Garda will kick off the second stage of the Giro d’Italia Women, the 110-kilometer Sirmione – Volta Mantovana. Sirmione is famous for its location on a narrow peninsula in the southern part of Lake Garda, offering spectacular views and a fascinating atmosphere. The Scaliger Castle, an imposing medieval fortress, greets visitors at the entrance to the historic center, which features picturesque narrow streets, stores, and restaurants. Another notable attraction is the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century B.C., located at the far end of the peninsula. Sirmione is also renowned for its thermal baths, prized for the therapeutic properties of their waters.

The stage will continue along the lake shore through Desenzano and then enter the Brescia plain, touching on Lonato, Montichiari, Asola and Medole before reaching Guidizzolo, where the riders will enter a 20-km circuit to be repeated once and leading to Volta Mantovana for an almost certain bunch sprint.

With historical roots dating back to Roman times, Volta Mantovana is famous for its well-preserved medieval village and the Gonzaga-Guerrieri Palace, a splendid Renaissance villa. Surrounded by moraine hills and vineyards, Volta Mantovana is renowned for the production of fine wines and offers beautiful natural landscapes. The highlight of the local cuisine is the capunsei: small bread dumplings, seasoned with butter and sage. Traditional recipes also include pumpkin tortelli, agnoli, risotto with Mantuan sausage, cotechino and lessi with “pearada” or mostarda. Also worth tasting are the local cured meats and typical desserts such as torta sbrisolona and elvetia.

The Giro d’Italia has visited Sirmione more than a few times, but only once has the town been chosen as a stage finish. It was 1980 and victory went to Giuseppe Saronni. On the other hand, for Volta Mantovana, this is an absolute debut in great cycling.