The 109th Giro d’Italia rolls out on Friday, launching three weeks of drama with a historic Grande Partenza in Bulgaria.
The race opens with three stages along the Black Sea coast before transferring to Italy, where the Giro will carve a demanding path north before finishing in Rome on 31 May.
DATE: 8 – 31 May
VENUE: Rome, Italy
The unfamiliar opening terrain adds an early layer of unpredictability, with wind, positioning and nerves likely to play a role before the mountains begin to shape the general classification.
VINGEGAARD AIMS FOR GRAND TOUR TRIPLE
At the heart of the 2026 Giro storyline is Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike). Already a two‑time Tour de France champion and Vuelta a España winner, the Dane arrives in Italy targeting the only Grand Tour missing from his palmarès. Success would see him join cycling’s most exclusive group — riders to have won all three major stage races.
ROUTE BUILT FOR CLIMBERS
This year’s Giro route appears well suited to Vingegaard’s strengths. The race features one individual time trial, a decisive 40km test on Stage 10, followed by a second half stacked with seven summit finishes. Long, attritional climbs in the Apennines, Dolomites and Alps are expected to reward endurance, pacing and recovery rather than explosive attacks.
GC CHALLENGERS READY TO CAPITALISE
Standing between Vingegaard and the maglia rosa is a competitive chase group. Italian hopes rest with Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull–Bora‑Hansgrohe), whose attacking style and home support could ignite the mountain stages. Former Giro winner Jai Hindley adds further depth for Red Bull‑Bora, while Adam Yates, Thymen Arensman, Felix Gall and Ben O’Connor all arrive with podium ambitions.
SPRINTERS TARGET EARLY SUCCESS
The opening week is expected to favour the fast men, with several flatter stages offering opportunities before the route turns aggressively uphill. Jonathan Milan (Lidl–Trek) leads a strong sprint field targeting stage wins and the maglia ciclamino, alongside Kaden Groves, Dylan Groenewegen, Paul Magnier and Arnaud De Lie.
DECISIVE FINAL WEEK IN THE ALPS
As is tradition, the Giro is likely to be decided late. The final week features relentless climbing, including summit finishes at Piani di Pezzè and Piancavallo, designed to expose any weakness. Whether Vingegaard controls the race or is forced onto the defensive, the 2026 Giro d’Italia promises drama, courage and endurance — hallmarks of cycling’s most romantic Grand Tour.
STAGES
Stage 1 - 8 May | Nessebar - Burgas | 147km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 2 from 1:40pm
Stage 2 - 9 May | Burgas - Veliko Tarnovo |221km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 11:4am
Stage 3 - 10 May | Plovdiv - Sofia | 175km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:55pm
Stage 4 - 12 May | Catanzaro - Cosenza | 138km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:30pm
Stage 5 – 13 May | Praia a Mare - Potenza | 203km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:05pm
Stage 6 – 14 May | Paestum - Napoli | 142km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:40pm
Stage 7 – 15 May | Formia - Blockhaus | 244km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 10:35am
Stage 8 – 16 May | Chieti - Fermo | 156km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:05pm
Stage 9 – 17 May | Cervia - Corno alle Scale | 184km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:25pm
Stage 10 – 19 May | Viareggio - Massa | 42km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:05pm
Stage 11 – 20 May | Porcari - Chiavari | 195km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:10pm
Stage 12 – 21 May | Imperia - Novi Ligure | 175km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:55pm
Stage 13 – 22 May | Alessandria - Verbania | 189km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:30pm
Stage 14 – 23 May | Aosta - Pila | 133km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:45pm
Stage 15 - 24 May | Voghera - Milan | 157km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:30pm
Stage 16 - 26 May | Bellinzona - Carì | 113km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 1:35pm
Stage 17 - 27 May | Cassano d'Adda - Andalo | 202km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12pm
Stage 18 – 28 May | FAi della Paganella - Pieve di Soligo | 171km
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Stage 19 – 29 May |Feltre - Alleghe | 151km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 12:20pm
Stage 20 – 30 May | Gemona del Friuli - Piancavallo | 200km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 10:35am
Stage 21 – 31 May | Rome – Rome | 131km
Broadcast details: SS Variety 1 and SS Variety 1 Africa, Maximo 1 from 3:30pm