Today, Friday, May 9, 2025, marked the start of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia, a prestigious cycling event that has captured the hearts of sports fans worldwide. This year, the Giro kicked off from Durazzo, Albania, making history as the first time the race has launched from a country where cycling is still a developing sport. With a total of 184 riders participating, the anticipation was palpable as spectators gathered to witness the opening stage, a challenging 160-kilometer route from Durazzo to Tirana.
The stage was won in a thrilling sprint by Danish cyclist Mads Pedersen of the Lidl-Trek team, who not only claimed victory but also secured the coveted pink jersey as the first leader of the general classification. Pedersen's performance was nothing short of spectacular as he outpaced fellow competitors Wout Van Aert, who finished second, and Orluis Aular, who took third place. The best Italian finisher was Francesco Busatto, who crossed the line in fourth, while Diego Ulissi rounded out the top six with a respectable sixth-place finish.
However, the race was not without its misfortunes. A few kilometers from the finish line, Basque cyclist Mikel Landa of Soudal-Quickstep suffered a crash that forced him to retire from the race due to a suspected clavicle fracture, a significant blow to his team's hopes.
The first stage featured a mix of terrain, starting off flat before tackling the first Gran Premio della Montagna (GPM) at Gracen, a second-category climb peaking at 777 meters. This ascent, which included gradients of up to 11%, set the stage for a dramatic finish as riders entered the capital city of Tirana. The course also included a double ascent at Surrel before the final sprint to the finish line.
The Giro d'Italia 2025 consists of a total of 21 stages, culminating in a grand finale in Rome on June 1. Notably absent from this year's competition is Tadej Pogačar, the reigning champion and a dominant force in the cycling world. Pogačar's decision to skip the Giro in favor of focusing on the Tour de France has left the field wide open, with no clear favorite emerging for this year’s title.
In Pogačar's absence, the spotlight shifts to seasoned veteran Primož Roglič and rising star Juan Ayuso, who are expected to be the primary contenders for the pink jersey. Roglič, 35, is a former Giro champion and has a strong support team in Red Bull Bora, featuring talented riders like Jai Hindley and Daniel Martinez. Ayuso, at just 22 years old, has already made a name for himself with impressive performances, including a victory at the Tirreno-Adriatico.
As the race unfolds, many are eager to see how the dynamics shift without Pogačar, who not only dominated the previous year's Giro but also captivated audiences with his remarkable riding style. His absence is viewed as a double-edged sword; while it opens the competition for other riders, it also removes a key figure who drew significant media attention and sponsorship to the event.
The Giro's route this year is designed to challenge even the most skilled cyclists, featuring two time trials, three mountain finishes, and numerous stages tailored for sprinters. The second stage, taking place tomorrow, is an individual time trial in Tirana, covering a distance of 13.7 kilometers. This will provide an early opportunity for riders to showcase their time-trialing abilities.
In addition to Roglič and Ayuso, other notable competitors include Egan Bernal, Richard Carapaz, and Mikel Landa, all of whom have previously made their mark on the Giro and are looking to capitalize on the open field. The race also features young talents like Antonio Tiberi and Giulio Ciccone, who are eager to prove themselves on this grand stage.
The Albanian government has invested approximately 8 million euros to host the three initial stages, marking a significant commitment to promote cycling in the region. This investment reflects a strong cultural and political bond between Italy and Albania, with the Giro serving as a bridge between the two nations.
As the riders embark on this grueling journey through Albania and into Italy, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling edition of the Giro d'Italia. With the absence of dominant figures like Pogačar and his fellow competitors, the stage is set for new heroes to emerge and for the race to unfold in ways that could surprise even the most seasoned cycling fans.
With over 3,443 kilometers of racing and more than 52,000 meters of elevation gain, the challenge ahead is immense. The Giro d'Italia remains a testament to the enduring spirit of cycling, where every pedal stroke counts and every stage offers the potential for drama and surprise.
As the cyclists prepare for the next stages, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see who will rise to the occasion and claim victory in the 108th edition of this iconic race.
