Dropping from Airolo, the route follows the sweeping downhill grade of the Leventina valley along the Ticino River. Fast, effortless kilometres dominate the morning as alpine slopes soften into Mediterranean warmth. The track rolls past the imposing medieval castles of Bellinzona before tackling the main obstacle: the punchy climb over the Monte Ceneri pass.
The descent opens onto the shores of Lake Lugano, crossing the water via the iconic Melide causeway. Skirting past palm-lined promenades, the route crosses the border into Italy at Chiasso. The stage finishes with a grand entrance onto the deep, villa-lined waterfront of Lake Como.
