Sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia, an entirely Campania fraction and likely another sprint finish: today's race is the Paestum-Naples stage of 142 km with just 500 metres of elevation gain.

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A short and flat stage with the first part developing along the Tyrrhenian coast up to Salerno where it climbs to Cava de' Tirreni (the only categorized climb of the day, 4th category, at km 40.1) before entering the plain around Mount Vesuvius.

After Nola the final 70 km are entirely urban, passing through a succession of inhabited centres with barely any breaks, therefore featuring the typical characteristics of obstacles and urban infrastructure. Before entering Naples, approximately 20 km are covered on a dual carriageway. The finish in the city of Naples is on wide and paved roads, with the final 3 km practically straight along the port. At 650 m from the finish a left-hand curve leads into the slight climb (4%) of via Acton on cobblestones. At 400 m from the finish two right-hand curves lead onto the final straight on 8-metre-wide pavé.

THE ROADS OF THE GIRO. An unforgettable start. Paestum, founded at the end of the 7th century B.C. by Greek colonists, with its three majestic and well-preserved Doric temples, represents one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean area. Before the stage start, a visit to the Archaeological Park is therefore a must. The largest temple - and in the best condition - is the Temple of Neptune, dating back to the mid-5th century B.C.; the oldest (around 560 B.C.) is the Temple of Hera (560 B.C. circa), also known as the Basilica; the Temple of Athena (completed around 500 B.C.) is instead located at the highest point of the city. Also worth seeing is the Archaeological Museum, which houses finds discovered in the area such as a statue of Zeus from the late 6th century B.C. and the so-called Tomb of the Diver, a unique testimony to 5th century B.C. Greek painting. It is no coincidence that Paestum is the final station of the Archeotreno, the period train that arrives from Naples on fixed dates, also passing through Pompeii.

Lively and entertaining, Salerno has earned considerable visibility for its ability to evolve at both artistic and architectural levels. In the historic centre are concentrated the oldest buildings: the Arab-Norman Cathedral with stunning mosaics, the Giardino della Minerva where medicinal plants have been cultivated for centuries, Piazza Flavio Gioia and Largo Abate Conforti with their monumental fountains and the superb Longobard Castle of Arechi which offers a magnificent view of the sea. Contemporary masterpieces include the Maritime Station designed by Zaha Hadid, Piazza della Libertà and Crescent by Ricardo Bofill, and the Marina d'Arechi by Santiago Calatrava. A love for beauty that can also be observed by visiting one of the many shipyards in the area, the cradle of wonderful vessels sought after throughout the world.

Immediately after, Vietri sul Mare is crossed, a magnificent village with a very colourful historic centre, beautiful beaches and a centuries-old ceramic tradition. The expertise of local craftsmen is celebrated in dozens of shops and in the Ceramic Museum with extraordinary pieces ranging from the 18th to the 20th century.

From here the Giro begins a long stretch inland passing through Nola (with its splendid Cathedral), Acerra and Afragola where the riders will begin the very long sprint towards the Naples finish line. After applauding the winner in Piazza del Plebiscito, you can discover a city that is always surprising. Time, perhaps, is a tyrant, so choices must be made. Which, in no particular order, could be the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of San Gennaro, Castel dell'Ovo, the Maschio Angioino, the Museum and Royal Woods of Capodimonte, the Monastery of Santa Chiara. The journeys between the various locations also allow you to discover neighbourhoods that are very different from each other in terms of architecture and traditions, but above all to grasp the atmosphere of a city that is unique in the world.