The excitement is building for the upcoming 2025 Giro d’Italia as it has been confirmed that the race will kick off in Albania. This announcement was made by the organizers on a Monday, marking a significant milestone for the event. Scheduled to commence on May 9, 2025, the Giro will feature three challenging stages set against the breathtaking backdrop of Albania before the competitors proceed to the scenic terrains of southern Italy.
Following the initial three stages in Albania, which are designed to test the riders’ endurance and strategic skills, there will be an early rest day on May 12 in Puglia, a region boasting stunning landscapes and rich cuisine. The race will then transition to Italy, where 19 additional stages will take place, highlighting the country’s diverse geography and awe-inspiring routes. The progression will see the race journey northward through Italy, where participants will tackle demanding mountain stages in the northern and northwestern areas, challenging even the most seasoned cyclists.
The decision to initiate the Giro outside of Italy marks a historic moment, as it is the first time since 2022 that the prestigious race will not start in its home country. In 2022, the opening stage was held in Hungary, showcasing the Giro’s international appeal. The organizers have successfully chosen Albania as a host for this year’s Grand Partenza, a move that Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proudly embraced. He expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “We beat bigger and richer nations to secure the Grand Partenza of the Giro, and we can’t wait to show our country to millions of people around the world.” Prime Minister Rama highlighted the similarities between Albania and Italy, suggesting the former embodies a “little Italy,” and emphasized the opportunity to showcase Albania to a global audience through the Giro.
The inaugural stage of the race will commence in the historic city of Durres, characterized by its rich cultural heritage. From there, the cyclists will navigate a challenging route to Gracen, followed by a demanding six laps around Tirana, the Albanian capital. This segment will include a significant climb at Surrel, ensuring that the riders are tested right from the start. The second stage features a 13.7 km individual time trial around Tirana, designed to challenge the cyclists’ time-trialing abilities. The third stage promises to be equally demanding, as it encompasses a 160 km route starting and finishing in Vlore, laden with hills that will further test the competitors.
Race director Mauro Vegni emphasized the thoughtful planning behind the opening stages, noting that they intentionally avoided the standard sprinter-friendly start. “We’ve avoided the cliche of a start for sprinters,” he explained, highlighting that the first stage features a challenging finishing circuit, while the time trial includes a mid-stage climb. Vegni expressed confidence that these initial stages will not only challenge the general classification contenders but may also generate early time gaps among key participants.
As anticipation builds for the spectacle of the Giro d’Italia, current champion Tadej Pogacar will aim to defend his title amidst a field of elite athletes. With a balance of excitement, challenge, and the picturesque landscapes of Albania and Italy, the 2025 Giro d’Italia promises to captivate both local audiences and viewers worldwide. As the full race schedule is set to be revealed on January 13 in Rome, cycling enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting this grand event that celebrates endurance, strategy, and the spirit of competition. The Giro’s start in Albania signals a unique fusion of cultures, as the race promises to be a visual feast that intertwines athletic prowess with scenic beauty.
