Giro d’Italia 2023: A thrilling stage in Crans Montana
The Giro d’Italia 2023, the first Grand Tour of the cycling season, will feature a spectacular stage in Crans Montana, a renowned ski resort and golf destination in the Swiss Alps. The 13th stage of the race, on Friday 19 May 2023, will start from Borgofranco d’Ivrea in Italy and cross the border into Switzerland, covering a distance of 207 km and a total elevation gain of 4,200 m.
The stage will be one of the most challenging and decisive of the Giro, as it will include two major climbs: the Simplon Pass (2,005 m) and the final ascent to Crans Montana (1,500 m). The Simplon Pass, which marks the halfway point of the stage, is a long and steady climb of 20 km with an average gradient of 6.5%. The riders will have to pace themselves well and save some energy for the final showdown in Crans Montana.
The last 20 km of the stage will be a thrilling uphill battle, as the road rises from Sierre to Crans Montana with an average gradient of 8.5% and some sections reaching 12%. The climb will test the legs and lungs of the contenders, who will have to deal with the thin air at high altitude and the fatigue of the previous stages. The finish line will be located at the golf course of Crans Montana, where a large and enthusiastic crowd is expected to welcome the heroes of the Giro.
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Crans Montana is not only a ski resort that offers breathtaking views of the Valais and a wide range of activities all year round, but also a golfing Mecca that hosts international tournaments such as the Omega European Masters. The resort has a long history of hosting cycling events, such as the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de Romandie. In 1984, it was also the finish of a memorable stage of the Tour de France, won by Laurent Fignon ahead of Bernard Hinault.
The Giro d’Italia 2023 will be a great opportunity for Crans Montana to showcase its beauty and hospitality to the world, and for the cycling fans to enjoy a spectacular stage that will shape the outcome of the race. This stage is a must-see for any cycling lover, as it combines stunning scenery, challenging terrain and high drama. Whatever happens, this stage will be one to remember.
Uk viewers can watch all the action on Eurosport
Main Image © Switzerland Tourism
InTheSnow Guide to Skiing in Crans Montana
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.