PREVIEW | Giro d’Italia 2025 stage 9 – Pidcock, Roglic, Ayuso, Bernal… ‘Mini Strade Bianche’ can be the first decisive day of the race.see full details.
PREVIEW | Giro d’Italia 2025 Stage 9 – Pidcock, Roglič, Ayuso, Bernal… ‘Mini Strade Bianche’ Could Be the First Decisive Day of the Race
As the 2025 Giro d’Italia rolls into its second week, Stage 9 promises to be a pivotal moment in this year’s edition. Marketed by organizers as a nod to the revered Strade Bianche, this stage features a gruelling 215km route from Terni to Montalcino, with over 30km of white gravel roads broken into five sectors. It’s not a mountain stage, but make no mistake — this is where cracks in the GC can start to appear, and perhaps widen into chasms.
A “Mini Strade Bianche” – But With Grand Tour Stakes
The comparisons to Strade Bianche are inevitable, and intentional. The gravel sectors, including a double ascent to Torrenieri and the steep ramps near Castiglione d’Orcia, are clearly designed to echo the one-day classic. However, riders here aren’t arriving fresh from winter training — they’re carrying the fatigue of eight already punishing stages, with a brutal second and third week still ahead.
The dirt roads aren’t just a novelty. They bring with them constant positioning battles, mechanical risks, and a brutal demand for bike handling skill. And while the stage might not be classified as “high mountain,” it has over 3,500 metres of elevation gain, with punchy gradients and exposed terrain that could see the wind become a factor.
In short: this is not a day for the pure climbers to hide, nor the GC men to gamble. One bad moment, a dropped wheel, a puncture at the wrong time — and a minute could become three. A clever move, on the other hand, could shape the race.
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GC Contenders: Time to Step Forward
Stage 9 could be remembered as the moment the 2025 Giro d’Italia truly lit up.
Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers)
This is the stage Tom Pidcock circled the day the route was announced. Winner of Strade Bianche 2023, Pidcock’s skills on gravel and short, sharp climbs are well known. He’s not a traditional GC rider, but INEOS has brought a versatile squad capable of controlling a chaotic day. If Pidcock is close on GC (or even given some leash by the others), this could be his springboard — or at the very least, a moment to take time on rivals who are less comfortable off-road.
Primož Roglič (BORA-hansgrohe)
Veteran, Olympic champion, and serial Grand Tour contender — Primož Roglič may not relish the gravel like Pidcock does, but he’s no stranger to adversity. He’s experienced on technical terrain and thrives when the race gets chaotic. His BORA squad is strong and well-drilled, and Stage 9 could be a launchpad rather than a landmine if he rides smart and stays alert.
Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates)
There’s a sense that Juan Ayuso is ready to become a Grand Tour leader in his own right. After learning from João Almeida and Tadej Pogačar, this is his opportunity to put theory into practice. Ayuso’s explosive climbing and fearless descending style could serve him well here, but the question is whether he has the gravel chops. UAE will need to protect him early, because the final 50km are unforgiving.
Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers)
The 2019 Tour de France and 2021 Giro winner may not be the outright favorite anymore, but Egan Bernal’s progression since his devastating crash continues to impress. This type of stage — unpredictable, attritional, and tactical — could suit him. If Pidcock gets up the road, INEOS might play the double leadership card. Expect Bernal to ride defensively, but opportunistically.
Other Dark Horses
Watch for Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) and Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ). Both have a taste for the classics, and if the GC riders hesitate, either could escape to stage glory. Thymen Arensman may also play a key support role or take a chance if the INEOS strategy allows it.
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What to Expect: Chaos, Strategy, and Opportunity
This isn’t just a battle of watts. It’s about technique, timing, and teamwork. Riders will be switching bikes, running lower tire pressures, and making split-second decisions all day. Crashes and mechanicals are likely. The peloton will be nervous.
For the GC favorites, this is a day to stay out of trouble — but also a day where a passive ride could cost dearly. Team positioning and support will be paramount. Teams with strong domestiques like UAE, BORA, and INEOS will have an edge. Expect the pace to ramp up on every gravel sector entrance, and for the final 30km to become an elimination battle.
Weather could also play a role. If it rains — as forecasts tentatively suggest — the white roads could become muddy and treacherous, favoring the more technically gifted even more.
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Conclusion: The First True Test
Stage 9 may not end with a summit finish, but in many ways, it’s the first real GC battlefield of the 2025 Giro. The mountain stages to come will settle the final result, but this is where contenders can rise and pretenders fall. Expect a tactical masterpiece — or a war of attrition — as the riders fight not just for seconds, but for control of the race narrative.
The 2025 Giro d’Italia won’t be won on Stage 9. But it can absolutely be lost.
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