The excitement is building as the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia approaches its kick-off in Albania, set to take place on Friday, May 9, 2025. The race will commence with a challenging first stage spanning 160 kilometers from Durazzo to Tirana, featuring several significant climbs that could shape the overall standings.
The opening stage includes three categorized climbs: Gracen, a second-category ascent at 81.5 km, and two third-category climbs at Surrel, positioned at 126.5 km and 148.7 km. These early challenges will set the tone for the competitors, who will need to tackle both the physical demands of the climbs and the tactical elements of racing.
As the Giro progresses, the second stage on Saturday, May 10, will feature a 13.7 km individual time trial in Tirana, presenting a different test for the riders as they race against the clock. The time trial will include a fourth-category climb at Sauk, which will add an interesting twist to the overall classification.
The third stage, taking place on Sunday, May 11, will see riders traveling 160 km from Valona to Valona, with the route incorporating another fourth-category climb at Shakelles and a second-category climb at Qafa e Llogarasë. This stage promises to challenge the riders further as they navigate the mountainous terrain.
On Tuesday, May 13, the Giro will shift gears with a 189 km journey from Alberobello to Lecce, featuring a fourth-category climb at Putignano. The following day, the race will continue with a 151 km stage from Ceglie Messapica to Matera, including a significant climb at Montescaglioso.
As the race unfolds, the sixth stage on Thursday, May 15, will take riders over a grueling 227 km route from Potenza to Napoli, with key climbs at Valico di Monte Carruozzo and Monteforte Irpino. This stage is expected to be a pivotal moment in the race, testing the endurance and strategic acumen of the competitors.
The excitement continues with the seventh stage on Friday, May 16, featuring a 168 km route from Castel di Sangro to Tagliacozzo. This stage includes several climbs, culminating in a first-category finish at Tagliacozzo, which could lead to dramatic shifts in the general classification.
Saturday, May 17, brings the eighth stage, a 197 km trek from Giulianova to Castelraimondo. Riders will face a challenging course with climbs including the first-category Valico di Santa Maria Maddalena. The stage will test the limits of the riders' climbing abilities.
As the Giro progresses, the ninth stage on Sunday, May 18, will see competitors racing 181 km from Gubbio to Siena, featuring climbs at La Cima and San Martino in Grania. This stage will be crucial for riders looking to establish themselves in the overall standings.
The tenth stage on Tuesday, May 20, presents a unique challenge with a 28.6 km individual time trial from Lucca to Pisa, which does not include any categorized climbs, allowing riders to showcase their speed against the clock.
On Wednesday, May 21, the eleventh stage will take riders on a 186 km journey from Viareggio to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, featuring the first-category climb at Alpe San Pellegrino, which could be a decisive moment in the race.
The twelfth stage on Thursday, May 22, will be a 172 km ride from Modena to Viadana, including climbs at Baiso and Borsea. As the Giro approaches its midpoint, riders will need to remain vigilant and strategic.
On Friday, May 23, the thirteenth stage will see the race move to Vicenza, covering 180 km from Rovigo to Vicenza. This stage features climbs at Passo Roverello and San Giovanni in Monte, leading to an uphill finish in Vicenza, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans cheer on their favorites.
The fourteenth stage on Saturday, May 24, will take riders from Treviso to Nova over a distance of 195 km, with several fourth-category climbs along the way. This stage will be another opportunity for riders to gain crucial points in the overall classification.
On Sunday, May 25, the fifteenth stage will cover 219 km from Fiume Veneto to Asiago, featuring the significant first-category climb at Monte Grappa. This stage could be a turning point for many riders as they push for the coveted maglia rosa.
The sixteenth stage on Tuesday, May 27, will take competitors from Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino, with climbs at Carbonare and Candiai. The seventeenth stage on Wednesday, May 28, will be a 155 km ride from San Michele all’Adige to Bormio, which includes challenging climbs at Passo del Tonale and Passo del Mortirolo.
As the Giro nears its conclusion, the eighteenth stage on Thursday, May 29, will cover 144 km from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno, including climbs at Parlasco and Colle Balisio. The penultimate stage on Friday, May 30, will be a 166 km journey from Biella to Champoluc, with significant climbs that will test the riders' limits.
Finally, the Giro d'Italia will conclude with the twentieth stage on Saturday, May 31, covering 205 km from Verrès to Sestrière, featuring the Cima Coppi at Colle delle Finestre, before finishing with a ceremonial ride on Sunday, June 1, back in Rome.
This year's Giro d'Italia promises to be a thrilling contest filled with drama, endurance, and the spirit of competition. Fans can look forward to watching their favorite riders tackle the challenging routes and vie for the prestigious maglia rosa.
