Many mountains, 3,459 kilometres, a cumulative elevation gain of 49,150 metres, an individual time trial, three stages in neighboring Bulgaria and a photo finish in Rome, where the pink jersey wearer will once again be crowned champion. It will be this 109th edition of the Giro d’ItaliaHe also revealed the organization of one of the major bicycle races. The appointment will be held From 8 to 31 May Almost no runner will be absent, with the exception of Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, who is not expected to participate.
The 3,459 kilometers of the 2026 Giro d’Italia will be run In 21 stagesAs the weight of the mountains increases: eight flat stages, seven medium mountain stages, and five high mountain stages. The organization wants there to be excitement until the end, and it can be so, especially after knowing the route of the penultimate stage: 199 kilometers between Gemona del Friuli and Piancavallo in the fourth category.
The penultimate stage could be decisive for the race. A Final fireworks before arriving in RomeThis is the ending that has been repeated for the fourth year in a row, and it seems that it has become a tradition that many did not imagine until recently. That day (May 31) will be a flat ride, with everything ready for the coronation of the new Emperor of Corsa Rosa.
Departure from Bulgaria
Like the rest of the big toursthe Italian race is paid for departures from other countries. This year he will leave Bulgaria and will be 16 – Departure from abroadsecond in a row. “The Giro will bring a splash of pink to a country that wants to become known internationally and show its people the great magic of cycling,” the organization explains.
There the first three stages will be held, which Bulgarian lands from end to endfrom east to west, visiting the most inspiring places and main cities of the country: tours along the shores of the Black Sea, climbing to the Liaskovets Monastery and passing through cities such as Plovdiv and Sofia.
In Italian territory, the seventh stage awaits the peloton between Formia and the mountain known as Mount Blackahos in Los Abruzzo, which will end at the summit after covering a distance of 246 kilometers. The finish on the Cornot Alley scale is after 184 kilometres; Or 199 kilometers of the penultimate stage. They will also compete in a one-off, 40km time trial in Tuscany.
Vingeard to Jiro
The last Giro d’Italia was won by Englishman Simon Yates (Visma Lease a Bike), which succeeded in making up for the 2018 edition, when it dominated the edition, but ended up losing to the attack of the British Chris Froome. He couldn’t forgive last year and ended up wearing the pink jersey.
In 2026, the Italian race adds incentives because among the riders will be Dane Jonas Wingegaard, winner of the Tour de France and the last (eventful) race in Spain. It is the first time a contestant has competed in the round and started as one of the favourites. Pogacar’s participation is unexpectedwhich is almost excluded from the competition.