Rumours, predictions and early hints have finally given way to reality: the 2026 Giro d’Italia has been unveiled in Rome. That pink thread which every May binds Italy together, often reaching far beyond its borders, is ready once again to weave its way across the Bel Paese, touching seas and mountains, art cities and small towns, dreams and hopes. The Maglia Rosa and the Trofeo Senza Fine return to their pedestal, eager to discover which rider will rise into legend this time.
For the 16th time in 109 editions, the Giro will begin abroad – and this time it will do so in Bulgaria, with three stages unfolding throughout a country ready to show itself to the world and embrace the magic of cycling. Bulgaria does not boast a long cycling tradition, and for this very reason everything will feel new: a cultural, sporting and touristic opportunity for all. We have already explored each of the first three stages in detail, but now that the full route is revealed, the bigger picture takes shape.
The journey begins on the shores of the Black Sea, with Stage 1 running from the enchanting peninsula of Nessebar to Burgas, where the first Maglia Rosa will almost certainly be claimed by a sprinter.
Stage 2, from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo, is far trickier: over 200 km heading inland with the sting of the Lyaskovets Monastery climb just 9 km from the finish – a perfect launchpad to ignite the race and shake up the GC.
The final Bulgarian stage, from Plovdiv to the capital Sofia, should again favour the fast men… unless surprises intervene.
Click here to find out more about the Grande Partenza Bulgaria 2026.
Back in Italy after the first rest day, Calabria will be the Giro’s first host. Stage 4 runs from Catanzaro to Cosenza, offering what should be the third chance for the sprinters, though the long and steady Cozzo Tunno (Cat. 2) just 40 km from the line may inspire brave attacks.
Even more uncertain is Stage 5, from Praia a Mare to Potenza: around 200 km of terrain capped by the brutal Montagna Grande di Viggiano (Cat. 2), nearly 7 km with relentless gradients above 10%. Sitting 50 km from the finish, it may blow the race apart.
Stage 6 stays entirely in Campania, from Paestum to Naples, which hosts a Giro stage for the fifth consecutive year. Despite the early climb of Valico di Chiunzi, it will be difficult to avoid a sprint on the Neapolitan seafront – a finish that recently smiled on Cavendish, Pedersen, Kooij and Groves.
The general classification will take real shape in Stage 7, the longest of the 2026 Giro: from Formia to the Blockhaus, nearly 250 km ending atop one of the race’s most iconic climbs. At 13.6 km and 8.4% average gradient, the Blockhaus is set to deliver the first major selection among the Maglia Rosa contenders.
Next comes the traditional Marches “walls” stage, from Chieti to Fermo: endless ups and downs ideal for early attackers.
The week closes with a demanding stage from Cervia to Corno alle Scale, flat until the final ascent through Silla, Gaggio Montano and Querciola, before the decisive climb to 1471 m (Cat. 1). The last 3 km, often above 10%, will be decisive. Between Blockhaus and Corno alle Scale, GC riders must be sharp from day one.
After the second rest day, the Giro restarts from the sea: a key 40 km time trial from Viareggio to Massa. A pan-flat specialists’ TT, where pure rouleurs must seize precious seconds while others defend with everything they have.
Stage 11, Porcari to Chiavari, is a classic breakaway stage, animated by the Colle di Gualtarola and the San Bartolomeo climb in the finale.
Sprinters should return in Stage 12, Imperia – Novi Ligure, while Stage 13, from Alessandria to Verbania, is less predictable: the Bieno (Cat. 4) and Ungiasca (Cat. 3) climbs in the last 25 km could disrupt the script.
The prime GC battleground of the week is Stage 14, entirely in Valle d’Aosta, from Aosta to Pila. Not the longest of stages, but featuring 4400 m of elevation gain. After the immediate ascent of Saint-Barthélémy (Cat. 1, 18.1 km at 5.4%), riders face Doues (Cat. 3), Lin Noir (Cat. 1, 7.5 km at 7.8%), Verrogne (Cat. 2), and finally the long climb to Pila – 17 km at a steady 7%.
Before the last rest day, sprinters will enjoy another opportunity in the Voghera – Milan stage, featuring a city-centre circuit repeated five times.
The final week is traditionally where the Giro writes its most incredible stories.
Stage 16 takes place entirely in the Swiss Canton of Ticino, from Bellinzona to a summit finish in Carì: 11.6 km at 8.1%, climbing to 1644 m – a climb sure to create serious gaps.
Two transitional days follow: Stage 17, Cassano d’Adda – Andalo, nearly 200 km, ideal for long-range attacks, and Stage 18, Fai della Paganella – Pieve di Soligo, should favour sprinters, although the Muro di Ca’ del Poggio in the finale could spring a surprise.
Then comes the queen stage in spirit, if not officially: Stage 19, the Dolomites epic from Feltre to Piani di Pezzè. A legendary sequence awaits: Passo Duran (Cat. 1), Coi (Cat. 2), Forcella Staulanza (Cat. 2), the mythical and brutal Passo Giau, Cima Coppi of the edition at 2233 m (9.9 km at 9.3%), and Passo Falzarego (Cat. 2), before the final, explosive climb to Piani di Pezzè (Cat. 2, 4.9 km at 9.9%). This stage guarantees glory… and heartbreak.
Before the final celebration comes one last twist: Stage 20, from Gemona del Friuli to Piancavallo, with the final climb tackled twice.
14.5 km at 7.8% average, with an opening section stubbornly around 10%. After the first summit, around 50 km remain. After the second, we will know the winner of the Giro d’Italia 2026.
For the fourth consecutive year, the final parade will take place in Rome, amid the monuments and architecture of a millennia-old history. A nine-lap city-centre circuit will offer sprinters one of the most prestigious finishes of their career. If in doubt, just ask the likes of Mark Cavendish, Tim Merlier and Olav Kooij, winners there in recent years.
Then, the curtain will fall: the Giro 2026 will have written its story.
Discover the route of the Giro d’Italia 2026!
