Sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia Women, Bellaria / Igea Marina – Terre Roveresche, 145 km. A long and undulating stage, perfect for breakaways, the caravan will pedal through Emilia Romagna and Marche, with a brief incursion into the Republic of San Marino after about thirty kilometers, including a second-category mountain pass.

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After an initial descent, a series of short climbs will animate the race until the slightly uphill finish line: passing through Mondaino, Monteciccardo, and Beato Sante, going through Cartoceto, Saltara, and other short climbs before the final ascent to the finish. Several ups and downs in the last 3 km with gradients up to 7% and few direction changes. On paper, it's a perfect day for breakaways, with the peloton potentially letting the break go ahead of the two challenging final days, but will it really be like that?

TERRITORY. The adrenaline-fueled ride through the hills of Emilia Romagna and Marche will put the Giro Women athletes to the test, who cannot afford to be distracted for a moment. Fortunately, it could be a different day for those following the race from the outside, who will have plenty of opportunities to be surprised along the way.

The ancient maritime village of Bellaria-Igea Marina, the stage's starting point, though significantly changed, preserves its original charm in the Old Borough, where colorful murals and sculptural works have recently been installed, making it a true "open-air art gallery". To stretch the legs, one can visit the Gelso Park, one of the largest urban parks on the Adriatic coast. Or take advantage of the Uso Paths, a 10 km cycle-pedestrian path along the Uso river, reaching San Mauro Pascoli, where one can revisit school memories by visiting the birthplace of the great poet, now transformed into a museum.

Just a bit further, the medieval village of Santarcangelo di Romagna fascinates with its bygone atmospheres that envelop those who wander through its alleys and central square. The journey through the Middle Ages continues in San Marino with its towers appearing from afar, offering a view like few others. The First Tower (Guaita) and the Second (Cesta) are visitable, while the Third Tower (Montale) is not open to the public. The ancient weapons museum, set up in the Second Tower, presents over a thousand historical weapon specimens from bladed to firearms, with some curiosities including the imaginative dagger-pistol (perhaps the most daring piece) dating back to 1730, two-handed swords, and rifles with double triggers and barrels.

The Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca, also visible from far away, is the beacon that leads to the discovery of a fortified village of rare beauty where it's pleasant to walk, combining the town's history with the magnificent view that stretches from the surrounding hills to the Adriatic beaches. Just before leaving Romagna, one stops in Mondaino, another Malatesta fortified stronghold, but which also stands out with its unique Main Square with a semicircular shape defined by the neoclassical portico, affectionately called "Frying Pan Square" by its inhabitants.

Now in Marche, here is Mondavio, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" with its splendid Fortress that revolutionized military art concepts in the 15th century, where original furnishings and two museums dedicated to military arts can be admired.

Grand finale in the "Terre Roveresche", territories of the Pesaro province where tradition survives and is valued as a fundamental heritage by those who live it. Ancient castles rise from the hilltops, drawing the sinuous profile of the typical Marche landscape, hiding unique jewels of great historical and artistic value in narrow streets.

The day's finish line is placed on the hill of Orciano di Pesaro, topped by the silhouettes of the Civic Tower and the Malatesta Tower (1348). Also worth seeing is the Rope and Brick Museum, dedicated to raw hemp processing for rope production and artifacts made with earth, fire, and water in the ancient terracotta furnace.