The Province of Pavia is preparing to experience one of the most exciting moments of the international cycling season. On June 5th, 2026, the seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia Women — the world's premier women's stage race — will cross the Oltrepò Pavese with a finish in Salice Terme, bringing the world's best professional cyclists to the heart of our territory.

The longest stage of the 2026 Giro Women

The Sorbolo Mezzani–Salice Terme stage is the longest of the entire edition, at 165 kilometres. A demanding and spectacular route, classified as a "hilly stage," it unfolds entirely on flat terrain in its opening section before transforming into a true test of endurance and strength in the final part, as the roads climb decisively towards the Apennine hills of Pavia.

The stage's decisive action plays out in the Val Tidone, which the riders will ascend towards Zavattarello before tackling the two key climbs of the day. The first is the ascent of Pietragavina — short but with a sharp gradient, capable of splitting the peloton decisively. After passing through the evocative medieval village of Varzi — one of the most characterful centres in the Oltrepò Pavese, renowned for its traditional cured meats and historic architecture — the riders will face the second and final challenge: the climb to the Castello di Oramala, another demanding ramp that could prove decisive for the general classification. From there, the descent into Salice Terme will close one of the most anticipated days of the entire race.

The Oltrepò Pavese on the world cycling map

For the Province of Pavia, this is an event of exceptional significance. The pink caravan will pass through landscapes of outstanding beauty — vineyards, historic villages, castles and unspoilt valleys — which cameras from around the world will broadcast live to millions of viewers. Pietragavina, Varzi, Oramala and Salice Terme will become familiar names to the international women's cycling audience, in a showcase of extraordinary promotional value for the territory.

It is no coincidence that the race passes through these places: the valley connecting Voghera to Varzi is home to the Greenway Voghera–Varzi, a cycle tourism route winding for over 30 kilometres along a former railway line through the Val Staffora, among rows of vines, woodlands and small rural hamlets. A trail designed for those who want to discover the Oltrepò at a slower pace, in the saddle of a bicycle, taking in landscapes that the Giro Women will show to the world at quite a different speed.

The passage of the Giro Women is also the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover a territory with much more to offer beyond the race itself: from the wineries of the Oltrepò Pavese — home to Bonarda, Buttafuoco and Pinot Nero — to the nature trails of the Apennine valleys and the thermal waters of Salice and Rivanazzano Terme, wellness destinations with a strong national reputation.

The top contenders: Vollering against the field

All eyes will be on Dutch rider Demi Vollering, the reigning champion and leading favourite for overall victory. The startlist features 21 teams and 126 riders, including 14 UCI WorldTeams. The 165-kilometre stage with its two final climbs could significantly shake up the general classification, making the finish in Salice Terme one of the pivotal moments of the entire 2026 edition.

How to experience the event

Watching the caravan pass through the roads of the Oltrepò Pavese is an experience not to be missed. The most spectacular vantage points will undoubtedly be the climbs of Pietragavina and the Castello di Oramala, where the peloton thins out and the racing becomes most intense, and the centre of Varzi, a village well worth a visit beyond the race itself. The finish in Salice Terme will then offer the festive atmosphere typical of the great cycling finales.

Those wishing to turn the event into a weekend break will find in the Oltrepò Pavese a destination that combines sport, nature, culture and gastronomy in one authentic experience.

Photo: www.giroditaliawomen.it

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