Giro d'Italia 2026: An Epic Journey Through History and Tradition

The 2026 Giro d'Italia promises to be an extraordinary edition, celebrating the 109th anniversary of the Giro d'Italia. From May 8 to 31, 2026 , the world's best cyclists will compete on a legendary route that crosses three countries, starting in Bulgaria and then touching on Italy's most iconic regions, before reaching the grand finale in Rome.

Great Departure from Bulgaria: An International Tour

For the first time in its recent history, the Giro d'Italia will start in Bulgaria , paying homage to the international dimension of modern cycling. The first three stages will pass through this fascinating Balkan country before returning to Italy.

The Complete Route: 21 Stages of Pure Emotion

First Week: From Bulgaria to Southern Italy

Stage 1 - Thursday, May 8: Nessebar – Burgas (156 km) ⭐⭐
The Grande Partenza (Big Start) from the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. A medium-difficulty stage that will kick off the Giro d'Italia with a route suitable for sprinters but with a few pitfalls.

Stage 2 - Friday, May 9: Burgas – Veliko Tarnovo (220 km) ⭐⭐⭐
The longest stage of the first week passes through the heart of Bulgaria. At 220 kilometers, it will be a challenging stage that could already generate the first selections.

Stage 3 - Saturday, May 10: Plovdiv – Sofia (174 km) ⭐⭐
The final Bulgarian stage connects two of the country's most important cities, concluding the Balkan parenthesis before the move to Italy.

Stage 4 - Monday, May 12: Catanzaro – Cosenza (144 km) ⭐⭐
The Giro returns to Italy from Calabria. A relatively short but treacherous stage through the Calabrian mountains.

Stage 5 - Tuesday, May 13: Praia a Mare – Potenza (204 km) ⭐⭐⭐
From the Tyrrhenian coast to Basilicata, a challenging stage that will take the group inland with significant climbs.

Stage 6 - Wednesday, May 14: Paestum – Naples (161 km) ⭐⭐
A spectacular stage that crosses Campania, from the Greek temples of Paestum to the Gulf of Naples.

Stage 7 - Thursday, May 15: Formia – Blockhaus (246 km) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first true mountain stage! With 246 kilometers and a climb to the legendary Blockhaus, this stage will be decisive for the overall classification.

Stage 8 - Friday, May 16: Chieti – Fermo (159 km) ⭐⭐⭐
Through Abruzzo and Marche, a challenging stage that offers no respite after the harshness of the Blockhaus.

Stage 9 - Saturday, May 17: Cervia – Corno alle Scale (184 km) ⭐⭐⭐
From the Adriatic to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with an uphill finish that could reshape the overall standings.

Second Week: Time Trial and Northern Mountains

Stage 10 - Monday, May 19: Viareggio – Massa (Time Trial - 40.2 km) ⭐⭐⭐
The first individual time trial of the 2026 Giro d'Italia. Over 40 kilometers against the clock that will make the difference between the favorites for the pink jersey.

Stage 11 - Tuesday, May 20: Porcari – Chiavari (178 km) ⭐⭐⭐
From Tuscany to Liguria, a challenging stage along the coast that will require constant attention.

Stage 12 - Wednesday, May 21: Imperia – Novi Ligure (177 km) ⭐⭐
Through Liguria towards Piedmont, a stage that could favor the more stamina-hungry sprinters.

Stage 13 - Thursday, May 22: Alessandria – Verbania (186 km) ⭐⭐⭐
Towards the northern lakes, a stage that will take the group to the foot of the Alps.

Stage 14 - Friday, May 23: Aosta – Pila (133 km) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The queen of the mountains! Short but incredibly tough, with an uphill finish in the Aosta Valley. This is where the Giro's fate will be decided.

Stage 15 - Saturday, May 24: Voghera – Milan (136 km) ⭐
A transfer stage towards Milan, probably reserved for sprinters before the second rest day.

Third Week: The Dolomites and the Grand Finale in Rome

Stage 16 - Wednesday, May 26: Bellinzona – Carì (113 km) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Giro enters Switzerland for a short but explosive stage, with a relentless uphill finish.

Stage 17 - Thursday, May 27: Cassano d'Adda – Andalo (200 km) ⭐⭐⭐
Towards Trentino, a hamlet that introduces the Dolomites.

Stage 18 - Friday, May 28: Fai della Paganella – Pieve di Soligo (167 km) ⭐⭐
Through the Prosecco hills, a rolling but less demanding stage before the last mountains.

Stage 19 - Saturday, May 29: Feltre – Alleghe (Piani di Pezzé) (151 km) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The penultimate mountain stage through the Dolomites. The uphill finish could be the last chance to turn the tables.

Stage 20 - Sunday, May 30: Gemona del Friuli – Piancavallo (199 km) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The last true mountain battle. Nearly 200 kilometers with an uphill finish that will seal the final stage of the overall standings.

Stage 21 - Saturday, May 31: Rome – Rome (131 km) ⭐
The grand finale in the Eternal City. A celebratory parade that will enshrine the winner of the 2026 Giro d'Italia among Rome's historic monuments.

The Legendary Climbs

The 2026 Giro d'Italia route includes some of the most iconic climbs in Italian cycling. The Blockhaus (stage 7), feared for its steep gradients, will open the competition. The queen stage from Aosta to Pila (stage 14), rated five stars, promises pure spectacle. The Dolomites on stages 19 and 20 will offer breathtaking scenery and challenges that only the strongest will be able to overcome.

Every climb tells the stories of legendary champions: from Coppi to Pantani, from Merckx to Nibali, every curve is the guardian of unforgettable pages in cycling's history.

A Complete and Balanced Path

With a total of 3,459 kilometres and 49,150 metres of elevation gain spread across 21 stages, the 2026 Giro offers a perfect mix of: - Sprinter stages (stages 1, 3, 6, 12, 15, 21) - Medium mountain stages (stages 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 17, 18) - High mountain stages (stages 7, 14, 16, 19, 20) - An individual time trial (stage 10) - Uphill finishes that are decisive for the general classification

The Heritage of Italian Cycling

The Giro d'Italia is much more than a race: it is the soul of Italian cycling , alive and well on every road, every curve, and every pedal stroke. It's an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of athletes and the genuine passion that unites cyclists of all ages, keeping alive a tradition that has captivated generations.

Each stage is a tribute to the Italian cycling tradition, the culture that has made our country the cradle of world cycling . The roads of the Giro are the same ones that have seen the birth of legends, the same ones that continue to inspire the design and aesthetics of our bicycles.

Get ready for the 2026 Giro

From May 8 to 31, 2026, Italy (and beyond) will be tinged with pink . Three weeks of excitement, effort, strategy, and glory. Three weeks that will remind the world why the Giro d'Italia is one of the most beautiful and captivating races on the international cycling calendar.

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a cycling fan who enjoys following the Giro d'Italia live or on television, the 2026 Giro d'Italia will be an event not to be missed. It's the perfect time to celebrate Italian cycling culture, that tradition that lives on with every pedal stroke.

Stay updated on our blog for further insights on the favorites, race strategies, and stories that will make the 2026 Giro d'Italia unforgettable. Follow us to celebrate our passion for Italian cycling together.