The Giro d’Abruzzo 2024 is expected to get into full swing on the second, more undulating, stage from Alanno to Magliano de’ Marsi, for a total of 162 km. The race starts in the Maiella National Park area, more precisely in the village of Alanno, which lies between the Pescara River and the Cigno stream. Its historical centre sits atop a hill and is distinctively medieval, characterised by three mighty towers, two square and one round, and a web of lovely tiny streets called “rue”.
The riders will first tackle the short (just under 5 km) but tricky climb of Monte Urano, with constant gradients of around 9-10%. The peloton will then make its way towards the milder Forca Caruso, before entering the Fucino plain, where the route flattens for about 60 km.
The race will erupt again in the final 27 kilometres, which are open to different scenarios. From the town of Celano, the peloton will climb towards Santa Iona and then Forme, an asperity that, given its length, might well trim down the peloton and trickle the fancy of some attackers. The last 12 km are virtually downhill all the way to the arrival in Magliano de’ Marsi. The most likely scenarios are either a select group sprint or a solo action by a finisseur.
Cycling, as always, goes hand in hand with history, tradition and gorgeous landscapes. Fancy coming to see the stage finish? Then do not miss opportunity to enjoy some healthy tourism: the territory of Magliano dei Marsi is crossed by the Salto River and lies at the foot of the Monte Velino massif, surrounded by wild nature. Moreover, one of the most important archaeological sites in Italy, Alba Fucens, is located near the village.