Abruzzo can boast dozens of tough, historic, and fascinating climbs. One of them is Prati di Tivo, the big GC decider of the Giro d’Abruzzo 2024. The stage is 163 km long and will start from Pratola Peligna, a medieval village whose territory stretches on the western slope of Mount Morrone and is crossed by the Sagittario River. Among other things, the Maiella region is renowned for the cultivations of different varieties of beans: pratolano, cannellino, gentile.
Shortly after the start, the peloton will tackle the Monte Sirente, with its series of climbs (interspersed with short descents) ending in Campo Felice after about 50 km. Descent to L’Aquila followed by a slightly uphill road leading to Montereale. Next is the ascent of Croce Abbio (western side of the Passo delle Capannelle, which isn’t reached in this stage) and a long descent of almost 30 km, leading to the foot of the final climb. The descent features numerous bends and two long, well-lit tunnels. No flat ground in the last 14 km, which are totally uphill towards the ski resort.
Prati di Tivo is a solid climb, capable of deciding the fate of the Tirreno-Adriatico on three different occasions, 2012, 2013 and 2021, crowning champions such as Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome and Tadej Pogačar. The ascent is 14.6 kilometres with an average gradient of 7% and peaks of 12%, thus providing plenty of opportunities to attack and make a difference.
The Giro d’Italia 2024 has chosen Prati di Tivo as its arrival venue for stage number eight, following the tricky time trial in Perugia. Prati di Tivo was only once before included in the Corsa Rosa. It was 1975, and Giovanni Battaglin broke away from everyone, sprinting to the first big win in his career. Fans will thus have the chance to familiarise themselves with the climb on 11 April, take some notes, and be ready for 11 May, exactly one month later, when the fight for the Maglia Rosa will be on.
