Saturday May 16th – Giro d’Italia 2026 stage 8: Chieti → Fermo (156 km)

Stage 8 links Chieti with Fermo over a route that begins along the Adriatic coast before turning inland for a demanding finale. The first half is straightforward, while the final 60 kilometres contain a series of short climbs and steep ramps that shape the outcome. It is a day suited to puncheurs and attackers.

From Chieti the race quickly reaches the coastline and follows wide, flat roads north toward Cupra Marittima. The rhythm is steady here, with little to disturb the peloton. After 96 kilometres the route turns inland and the character of the stage changes immediately.

The first climb is Montefiore dell’Aso, followed by the ascent to Monterubbiano. Both climbs are regular in gradient and help reduce the size of the bunch. The route then heads toward Fermo for the first time, where the riders face the steep Via Cardarelli, a short wall that forces a clear selection. After a brief descent the race returns to the coast before the next key point: the Capodarco climb, a familiar feature from the GP Capodarco.

The final kilometres are the most demanding. The Fermo–Reputolo climb includes gradients that reach 22%, followed by narrow, cobbled streets that continue to rise toward the historic centre. A short descent inside the final kilometre leads into one last ramp of around ten percent. Positioning is essential on the approach to the old town, where the roads become tight and irregular.

The stage favours puncheurs, riders who excel on short, steep climbs. The repeated changes in gradient and the technical nature of the finale make it difficult to control. A late attack from the breakaway or a small group sprint on the final ramp are both realistic scenarios.