Four stages for a total of 414 kilometers may seem like few, but one look at the elevation gain makes it clear it will be tough: 10,816 meters and it takes its toll. This is the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta Mont Blanc now in its 62nd edition. The international race reserved for U23 riders, is scheduled from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19.

The last two editions were won by Belgian Jarno Widar who a year ago dedicated his stage victories (three out of five) and the entire Giro to his friend Samuele Privitera, who died during the first stage. On the final finish line in Cervinia, the Belgian rider pointed both index fingers toward the sky. Stories of pain are difficult to forget, they remain in the heart forever and it's also hard to start again. For months the organizers were uncertain "if" and "how" to restart.

«Four stages for this 2026 edition are enough» says Riccardo Moret, the Giro's organizer. «A year ago, we finished the race wounded. Then came the legal proceedings. Samuele's family has always supported us and his parents will present both the trophy for the winner and the award in his name, intended for whoever accomplishes the greatest feat».

A challenging Valle d'Aosta Mont Blanc with answers from the very first stage. Those aiming for the general classification will emerge in the time trial climb for pure climbers from Passy to Passy Plaine-Joux, approximately 700 meters of elevation to overcome in 10.5 km. The Giro celebrating Mont Blanc starts from across the border, in Haute-Savoie, a breathtaking panorama and a story to tell. «For three kilometers, the memorable time trial from the 2023 Tour will be retraced, where Vingegaard dropped Tadej Pogačar by 1'38" and Wout Van Aert by 2'51"» recalls Moret (that stage started from Passy and finished in Combloux after 22.4 kilometers, editor's note).

We return to Italy for the second stage from Hône to the finish at the majestic Forte di Bard, 147 km total, with climbs of Colle Fabiole (899 m), Ravet (1312 m), Col du Joux (1639) and Col d'Arlaz (1031). An interesting fact: for centuries a transit point to Gaul, the Via Francigena now passes through Hône.

Decisive for the final classification is the third stage starting and finishing in Saint-Christophe (Bret), a town 3 kilometers from Aosta, with territory extending from 540 meters altitude in the valley floor to over 2,800 meters. Climbs include: Valpelline (924) and Doues (1171), then returning to Aosta to face Monte Verrogne (1586). After passing through Saint-Christophe, riders tackle Jeanceyaz (1079) and Saint-Barthélemy (1619). Total distance 155 kilometers.

Fourth and final stage a classic: from Valtournenche to Cervinia Breuil, just under 94 kilometers with climbs exceeding 14%. Among the 24 teams at the start will be Hagens Berman Jayco, the team where Privitera raced. Many notable teams including Bahrain Victorious Development Team (Brn), Caja Rural-Alea (Esp), Development Team Picnic PostNL (Ned), Lidl-Trek Future Racing (Ger), Lotto-Groupe Wanty (Bel), Movistar Team Academy (Esp), Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe Rookies (Ger), Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team (Bel), UAE Team Emirates Gen-Z (Uae).

Among the favorite athletes: Ecuadorian Ramírez (Uae), second a year ago; Brazilian Bravo (Soudal), Belgian Donie (Lotto), Irish O'Brien (Lidl), Spanish Cubillas (Movistar), German Bock (Red Bull). Among the Italians: Cattani (Technipes), Proietti Gagliardoni (Movistar) and Bessega (Lidl).