The Grande Partenza of the Giro d'Italia, the start of the Tour of Italy, will take place abroad for the 15th time in 2025 and for the first time in Albania.
13.01.2025, 21:00
13.01.2025, 22:39
SDA
For logistical reasons, it will start on Friday, May 9. This is according to the stage schedule published by the organizers on Monday.
After the first stage from Durrës to Tirana, there will be two more stages in the southern European country on the Adriatic coast. Only then will the transfer to Italy by sea take place on an early first rest day.
The 14th stage also includes a (flat) detour to Slovenia, Tadej Pogacar's cycling-mad home country. The 2024 dominator has not yet decided whether he will take part in the Giro or the Vuelta in Spain this year.
The decision on overall victory is likely to be made in the third and final week. This includes several tough mountain stages in the north of the country, including the climb to Sestriere on the penultimate day. Afterwards, the bunch will move on to Rome for the final triumphant ride on June 1.
