The 196km stage from Molveno to Cassano d'Adda starts off fairly lumpy while the second half is perfectly flat.
The route rolls along moderate undulations all the way up Brescia at 120km where the road eventually levels out.
There are a few tunnels in the first part. In the flat sector the roads are relatively wide and straight with just a few more curvy stretches. Roundabouts, speed bumps and traffic dividers are the main obstacles in the urban areas.
The final, flat five kilometres feature two mild bends and one last turn 600m before the finish on seven metre wide asphalt road.
Course profile for Stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia (RCS Sport) Source: RCS Sport
Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo) will start the stage in the red jersey for the best sprinter in what is turning out to be a race of attrition.
Marcel Kittel (Etixx-QuickStep) took the lead in the points competition early on then left the race citing a long season and other races to peak for such as the Rio Olympics.
Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) took over the reins, much to the delight of fans, but abandoned the Giro after Stage 12. Greipel also defended his decision due to other goals in the long season ahead and in order to stay healthy after fighting injuries earlier in the year.
If Nizzolo wins it will be his first victory after more than 20 top ten finishes. Like any of the remaining sprinters chasing the finish line tonight, a top result will make the satisfaction of pushing through the recent mountain stages even sweeter.
