Organizers of the Giro d'Italia International Women's Championships have announced that the 124.8-km route between Paganico and Archidosso will feature a Strade Bianche-style stage with two gravel road sectors. The women will ride the second stage on September 12 on gravel roads in Cinigiano and Sesgiano.

The nine-stage race was originally scheduled to run from June 26 to July 5, but was moved to September 11-19 as part of the revised Women's World Tour calendar after the season was interrupted by the coronavirus in March.

Organizers have not announced route details for this year's event, but it will take place in south-central Italy, starting with a 16km team time trial in Grosseto, Tuscany, on September 11, followed by a second Strade Bianche-style stage on September 12.

The 124.8 km second stage begins in Paganico and concludes in Archidosso, and like the Strade Bianche, which opens the Women's World Tour on August 1, there are few flat sections, with the first being Cinigliano at 14.5 km to 16 km, and the second being Segni at 108.9 km to 113.1 km. The race has two gravel sections, the Cinigiano at 14.5 km to 16 km and the Sedgiano at 108.9 km to 113.1 km, as well as a short, steep uphill section.

Sedgeano is also the site of the stage's only Queen of the Mountains climb, which peaks at 113.1km, just 12km from the finish at Archidosso.

"The Giro Rosa is the most important women's cycling event that our administration strongly desires," said Civitella Paganico Mayor Alessandra Biondi in a press release.

"It is an unmissable opportunity to make known and communicate our territory through an international sporting event. Paganico, a medieval village between Grosseto and Amiata, will mark the start of the second stage of the Tour. It is not the first time that Paganico will be the starting point of an important sporting event, but this time, surely, women of strength and tenacity will be the protagonists.

"We are preparing to welcome this event in the best possible way, together with related events in which citizens will also participate. We will strive to provide a great show for all those present and to spread the beauty and diversity of our territory"

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Race Director Giuseppi Rivolta confirmed that 24 teams have been invited to the race and assured that the event will be held under the strict protocol of COVID-19.