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The climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca in Bologna is the hallmark of the Giro dell'Emilia and the Giro dell'Emilia Internazionale Donne Elite. The ascent, which runs parallel to the longest porticoed gallery in the world, has hosted the race's finish since 1999 and has become the most recognizable finale of all the Italian autumn classics.

Men's race: Route and favorites

The men's race route includes the climbs to Zocca (13.5 km at 4%), Grizzana Morandi (6 km at 6%), and Montechiaro (3.3 km at 9.1%) before tackling the final circuit. The circuit features the finish line at the top of the climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca (2.1 km at 9.4%), with riders having to climb it four times. The cold numbers of the race are 215 km and 3,400 meters of positive elevation gain.

The finish greatly influences the race, which is usually decided on the final climb. Therefore, it is a race for puncheurs and climbers. Tadej Pogačar (1200), Remco Evenepoel (1200), Primož Roglič (1200), Enric Mas (1000), João Almeida (1200), Adam Yates (1200), Juan Ayuso (1000), Matteo Jorgenson (1000), Simon Yates (800), Richard Carapaz (800), Pello Bilbao (800), Thomas Pidcock (800), David Gaudu (800), Julian Alaphilippe (600), Michael Woods (600), and Andrea Bagioli (400) are among the favorites in a spectacular start list.

Women's race: Route and favorites

The women's race is much shorter and less challenging than the men's. The numbers of the race are 114 kilometers and 617 meters of positive elevation gain, and it is entirely flat until the final climb in San Luca. The women will climb San Luca twice.

With four days to go before the race, the start list is still in a very early stage, making it impossible to name favorites, but the focus will also be on explosive riders.

Photo: © Giro dell’Emilia