The Giro d'Italia 2025 is set to kick off on Friday, May 9, 2025, marking a historic first as the race starts in Albania. This year’s edition promises to be more competitive than ever, especially with the absence of reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, who has opted out of the event. Instead, the spotlight will shine on seasoned competitors like Primoz Roglic and rising star Juan Ayuso, both of whom are eager to seize the maglia rosa.
Beginning in Durazzo, the first stage spans 164 kilometers and culminates in Tirana, featuring challenging climbs that will test the riders right from the start. The route includes the Gracen climb, categorized as a second-category ascent, and the Surrel climb, which features gradients reaching up to 13%. The stage is scheduled to start at 13:10 and is expected to finish between 17:03 and 17:25.
Following the opening stage, the second stage on Saturday, May 10, presents a 13.7-kilometer individual time trial in Tirana, where cyclists will navigate through quick turns and a slight incline. This stage is crucial for specialists looking to gain an early advantage in the overall standings.
The third stage, set for Sunday, May 11, will take riders around Vlorë, covering another 160 kilometers with significant elevation changes. This stage promises to be a mixed challenge, making it another opportunity for cyclists to showcase their climbing skills.
After these initial stages in Albania, the Giro will head back to Italy, where the competition will intensify. The first rest day is scheduled for May 12, allowing teams to regroup before diving into a series of stages that include potential sprint finishes and mountainous challenges.
One of the standout features of the Giro d'Italia 2025 is its route, which consists of 21 stages covering a total distance of 3,443.3 kilometers. Cyclists will face an impressive 52,350 meters of accumulated elevation gain, making this year’s edition particularly grueling. With two time trials and several high-altitude finishes, the race will demand peak performance from all participants.
Primoz Roglic, a two-time winner of the Giro, is returning with the aim of adding a second title to his name after his victory in 2023. Roglic has had a relatively quiet start to the season, with only a few races under his belt, including a win at the Volta a Catalunya. His team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, is also bolstered by Jai Hindley, the 2022 Giro champion, and Daniel Felipe Martínez, who are expected to support Roglic in his quest for victory.
Juan Ayuso, competing for UAE Team Emirates, is another name to watch closely. The young Spaniard has demonstrated impressive form this season, but he will need to overcome the formidable challenge posed by Roglic if he hopes to claim his first Grand Tour title. Ayuso will be supported by a strong team that includes Adam Yates, Rafal Majka, and Brandon McNulty, among others.
Wout van Aert, who will be competing for Visma-Lease a Bike, is aiming for the maglia ciclamino, awarded to the best sprinter of the Giro. Although he is not primarily focused on the overall classification, his presence could disrupt the dynamics of the race, especially if he finds himself in contention during the sprint stages.
Another intriguing competitor is Tom Pidcock, who is expected to target stage wins in the mountainous sections and might also contend for the maglia azzurra, awarded to the best climber. Meanwhile, Egan Bernal, a former Giro champion, is looking to make a strong comeback after injuries and a challenging previous season.
The route of the Giro d'Italia 2025 is designed with progressive difficulty, starting with three stages in Albania and transitioning to more demanding climbs in Italy. The second week features a crucial time trial from Lucca to Pisa, which is expected to play a significant role in shaping the overall standings.
As the race progresses into the third week, the competition will reach its peak with high-altitude finishes, including the challenging stage to the Colle delle Finestre, which features gravel sections and steep gradients. This stage is likely to be decisive for the overall classification as riders battle for position in the final kilometers.
Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and the Max streaming platform, which will provide comprehensive coverage of each stage, including pre-race analysis and live commentary. This year, the Giro promises to deliver thrilling moments and intense competition as cyclists vie for glory in one of the sport's most prestigious events.
As the countdown to the Giro d'Italia begins, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable three weeks of cycling. With a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, the race is set to be a showcase of endurance, strategy, and resilience.
