Bologna Course Recon

Ride like a pro in the Giro d’Italia TT Challenge!

The Giro d’Italia is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours, a prestigious multi-stage pro cycling race that runs for three weeks each year in May and June. We’re giving the entire Zwift community a taste of what the pros will race for Stage One of the 102nd Giro.

A meter-by-meter replication of the Bologna-to-San Luca individual time trial course, this 8.2km route departs from Piazza Maggiore, the main square in the heart of Bologna. It includes the Basilica di San Petronio and Fountain of Neptune, both popular tourist destinations. Then we head to cobbled streets lined with arcades on both sides, past the Porta San Felice—the westernmost gate of medieval Bologna—and onto a road next to the motorway.

Then we climb. We’ll make a sharp right at the Arco del Meloncello, before beginning a challenging 233m ascent for the final 2.1km stretch. The way up is marked on the left by a hilltop basilica, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

All the landmarks of the 2019 Giro’s first leg are on full display. Soak in the sights. Crest the hill, and find the finish line on the other side.

This event-only course is yours to race starting May 11th. Ride On.