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Stage 8, Saturday 16 May: Chieti to Fermo, 156km
16 May @ 11:00 - 15:30 CEST
Free
A leaner, sharper day that leaves Chieti, set on a hilly ridge between the Pescara and Aterno valleys, one of the oldest cities in Abruzzo (and, as fans will note, the birthplace of Giulio Ciccone). The opening 100km hugs the Adriatic, before the route turns inland after Cupra Marittima for a classic tappa dei muri across the Marche hinterland. Four categorised climbs crowd the final 60km, and the run-in to Fermo is pure Italian punch: the Via Cardarelli “wall”, then Capodarco, then a final ramp into Fermo with gradients up to 22%, narrow porphyry-paved streets, a short descent at 750m to go, and a finish ramp at around 10%. Born for puncheurs, and tailor-made for a Ciccone homecoming if the legs are willing.
Departure: 11:45
Arrival: 15:29
For spectators, Abruzzo only gets the opening coastal run before the race crosses the Tronto into Marche, so pick a spot on the Teramo coast at Giulianova, Roseto degli Abruzzi or Pineto, catch the peloton flying past on the SS16, then settle in at a lungomare trattoria for a long fish lunch. Order the brodetto alla giuliese, the lighter, white-wine-and-green-pepper take on Adriatic fish stew that’s worth planning the whole day around.

