For the first time in its history, the Giro d’Italia will begin outside Italy on the eastern shore of the Adriatic.

The 108th edition of cycling’s second-biggest stage race — after the Tour de France — will launch in Albania in May 2025, marking a symbolic and historic shift for the iconic event.

Organizers unveiled the opening three stages on Monday, calling it an early Christmas gift to fans. The Grand Tour will begin on May 9 with a 164-kilometer ride from the port city of Durrës to the capital, Tirana. Stage two follows on May 10 with a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial through Tirana’s streets. On May 11, the peloton will head out on a 160-kilometer hilly loop along the coast to Vlora and back. From there, the race will move across the sea to Italy’s Apulia region.

“With this launch, we are the Italy on the other shore,” said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama during the presentation in Tirana. “During these three stages, Albania will welcome many champions and friends.” Rama also highlighted the tourism boom in the country, noting that over 10 million visitors came to Albania in 2024 alone.

Paolo Bellino, CEO of Giro organizer RCS Sport, said he’s excited for the new chapter: “I’m hoping for two things: a lot of sunshine and the enthusiasm of the Albanian people.”

The full race route beyond Albania is expected to be announced in January. What’s already confirmed: cycling superstar and 2024 winner Tadej Pogačar is set to defend his title — health permitting. The final stage is scheduled for June 1. Meanwhile, the women’s Giro will take place from July 7 to 14.

Image: Luigi Ganna, overall winner of the first Giro d’Italia in 1909
Credit: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons