Stage number 18 of the Giro d'Italia, a day of respite before an extremely challenging weekend. Today's stage is the 144 km Morbegno-Cesano Maderno.

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The stage presents some initial difficulties followed by approximately 60 km of consistently descending flat terrain. The route follows predominantly straight roads with varying lane widths, interspersed with inhabited centers where typical traffic obstacles are present.

A final 13 km flat circuit characterized by several right-angle curves interrupting the straight sections. The last 3 km have only two curves, with the final one leading into the 750-meter finish straight.

THE TERRITORY. Morbegno, the "gateway to Valtellina" hosts the start of the eighteenth stage of the Giro. A place that represents a complete synthesis of Sondrio province, between art, history, nature, and flavors. After visiting the town with stops at the Civic Museum of Natural History, the Collegiate Church of St. John the Baptist (16th century), the Sanctuary of the Assumption (1506), and Palazzo Malacrida with its colorful frescoes, one can dive into the world of Valtellina's gastronomic excellence. In Morbegno, the exquisite Bitto cheese is the true master of the house, but all products from the Valtellina quality agri-food district originate from here: between bresaola, pizzoccheri, apples, and DOC wines, one must be careful not to overindulge.

The route reaches the eastern shore of Lake Como at Colico, where a brief walk is worthwhile at Forte Montecchio Nord, the only Italian military fortification from the Great War that has preserved its original armament intact and is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Nearby is the Abbey of Piona, drawing attention: an ancient Cluniac monastery characterized by a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cloister from the 13th century, located on the tip of the small Olgiasca peninsula in an unspoiled environment that recalls distant times and still constitutes a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture.

From the marvelous Bellano - included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy - one momentarily bids farewell to Lake Como to venture into Valsassina, surrounded by great mountains - first and foremost the Grigna - but also an industrious land. Not by chance, the district of scissors and cutting tools in Premana originates from the ancient iron mines of the area and is now considered a global excellence in its sector.

Lecco's lakefront invites relaxation and observation of the facing mountains of the Triangolo Lariano that make the stop even more interesting. A walk through the historic city center, rich with noble palaces and rare suggestive glimpses, is not to be missed.

Before reaching the finish line, one must cross Brianza, synonymous with industriousness - its furniture manufacturers have always been top-tier in quality and innovation capacity - but also capable of offering breathtaking views with its succession of woods, hills, and small lakes. Not by chance, imposing villas have risen in this territory for centuries - splendid among them Villa Greppi in Monticello Brianza - surrounded by sumptuous and well-maintained parks.

And it is precisely another of these residences that welcomes the riders at the finish in Cesano Maderno: Palazzo Arese Borromeo. Built in the 17th century, it is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and houses frescoes and furnishings that tell the story of the greatness of the family that commissioned it. Moreover, it is surrounded by a vast secular park perfect for a walk immersed in history and nature. The ideal place to await the riders. But also to discover that Brianza has an ancient heart.