Albania has made a bold national decision by bringing the first stages of the Giro d'Italia to the Balkans. With a population of 2.7 million, the first three days of the race will be held in Albania before the riders head to Puglia in southern Italy.
"We beat bigger and richer countries in the race to host the Giro and we can't wait to introduce our country to millions of people around the world. I've always said that Albania is a little Italy and now with the Giro we can be Italy on the other side of the Adriatic," said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, adding that the television image will reach 800 million people around the world.
The opening stage (164 km) will take riders from the city of Durrës to Tirana on May 9, where sprinters will be able to show off their skills. The second stage is a 13.7 km time trial on the streets of Tirana, and the third day will be a pedaling day around the city of Vlorë, which will offer challenges for climbers. According to the Giro organizers, the aim was to avoid a situation where the opening stages are only the province of sprinters, and it can be assured that significant gaps will emerge early in the tour.
This year's Giro will finish in Rome, with the full program to be published on January 13. This is the 15th time the Tour of Italy has started outside the country, the last time it gathered across the border was in 2022, when the start was given in the Hungarian capital, Budapest.
Giro d'Italia 2025: Albania will host the Grande Partenza☝🏼
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) December 23, 2024
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Giro d'Italia 2025: l'Albania will host the Grande Partenza☝🏼
Scorri per scoprire le prime 3 tappe del Giro ⏭️ #GirodItalia #GrandePartenza pic.twitter.com/zpwqTWK3M1
