Airolo still sits above 1,100 metres; Lugano is almost 900 metres lower. Between them, the stage follows most of the Leventina: Piotta, Ambrì, Faido, Bodio, Biasca. The Ticino runs along the valley floor, with railway, motorway and old valley road sharing the same corridor. The route makes clear why this has long been one of the main north–south passages over the Gotthard. After Biasca, the valley opens and the riding becomes flatter. In Bellinzona, the three castles stand above the town before the route turns towards Cadenazzo. Monte Ceneri adds the last noticeable climb of the day. The descent through Rivera and Taverne leads into the northern edge of Lugano. The stage ends at the lakeshore, with Monte Brè and San Salvatore above the city.
