We can bet that the route of the 2025 Giro d’Italia Women didn’t put a smile on the sprinters’ face. And we can’t blame them! From 6 to 13 July, at least on paper, the so-called fast wheels will have only two opportunities across eight stages to leave their mark on the Corsa Rosa. For them, the margin for error will be razor-thin as missing a sprint could mean losing 50% of their chances for victory.

The first opportunity for sprinters will come on Stage 3, 124 km from Vezza d’Oglio to Trento, though it won’t be a walk in the park for them. The day opens with the Cima Alfonsina Strada, culminating at 1,883 meters at the summit of Passo del Tonale, featuring an 11-km climb at a 6% gradient – not exactly terrain tailored to sprinters. Sure, 105 kilometers will remain after cresting, but much will depend on how the climb is tackled. Should the peloton reach it together, the likely attacks aimed at forming a breakaway could force a sustained pace, which means big trouble for the sprinters. While losing a few seconds at the summit might not hinder a comeback, falling several minutes behind could make things much trickier.

Such concerns won’t apply to Stage 5, from Mirano to Monselice for a total of 180 km. Completely flat and devoid of any real obstacles, this stage is made to measure for sprinters. The final 16.4-km-long circuit at the foot of the Euganean Hills unfolds on wide roads, providing the perfect terrain for the faster athletes to unleash their full power without hesitation.

As in 2024, it will be challenging for the sprinters to contend for the Maglia Rossa of the points classification, though plenty of surprises could emerge with breakaways and intermediate sprints.