Giro d'Italia 2026: Bulgaria is ready for the Grande Partenza

For the first time in history, Bulgaria will host the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s greatest sporting events. On 8–10 May the peloton will race across three stages through some of the country’s most spectacular cities and landscapes. From the ancient shores of the Black Sea to the medieval skyline of Veliko Tarnovo and the mountain passes above Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria is about to write a new chapter in European cycling history.

Today is the Official Opening Ceremony with the Teams’ Presentations that will take place in the Summer Theatre of Burgas – right on the beautiful Black Sea coastline. The ceremony will be hosted by the Bulgarian Minister of Sports and Youth – Dimitar Iliev and the Minister of Tourism – Irena Georgieva who will be addressing the public. A symbolic host for the opening ceremony, Mayor of Burgas Dimitar Nikolov, will also be present.

Discover the route of the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria!

A Week of Celebrations

The sporting spectacle is just one part of the story. The Grande Partenza is surrounded by a rich cultural and entertainment programme spanning every host city, with events kicking off well before the peloton rolls out.

Nessebar & the Black Sea Coast

On the eve of the race, Nessebar’s old town will give a spectacular fireworks display over the sea. A Mini Giro cycling event for children and young riders, under the motto “Waves and Bicycles – Welcoming the Giro!”, will take place on the morning of Stage 1, along with an amateur cycling and running event open to the public on the day itself.

Burgas

Bulgaria’s coastal capital will host the official team presentation ceremony on May 6 at the Summer Theatre. On race day, the Sea Garden will come alive with live music, dance performances and a dramatic flashmob on the Burgas ring road, where local clubs will unfurl pink umbrellas in the shape of the infinity sign as the peloton passes.

Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria’s medieval capital, where the Tsarevets Fortress stands sentinel above the Yantra River gorge, will greet the race with a junior band parade, a procession of folklore ensembles, and an outdoor concert in front of the Asenevtsi Monument. The illuminated Sound and Light Show at Tsarevets will provide a legendary backdrop as the pink jersey battle unfolds below.

Plovdiv

Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city will provide the backdrop for the final stage start. The city’s Roman Amphitheatre, colourful Old Town and vibrant arts quarter will be decorated in Giro colours, and the Wine & Gourmet Festival will run across all three stage days in the Old Town, offering a taste of Bulgarian culture alongside the racing.

Sofia

The Bulgarian capital will host a Cycling Village at Alexander Nevsky Square across all three race days, open to fans, families and cycling enthusiasts alike. The programme includes children’s shows, performances by the Alma Ritmik majorettes, concerts by Robi (8 May), No More Many More (9 May) and Cool Den (10 May), DJ sets, and the mass “Sofia Rides Giro” cycling parade through the city. The exhibition “Giro d’Italia: A Brief History of Italy on Two Wheels” will be on display at the National Gallery’s Kvadrat 500 from 5 May to 5 June.

Quotes

Dimitar Petrov, Head of Organizational Committee, Giro d’Italia – Grande Partenza Bulgaria: “This is a historic moment for Bulgaria. For the first time, the world’s most storied cycling race will start on Bulgarian soil. We have worked hard to ensure this is an event worthy of the Giro d’Italia’s legacy, not only on the road, but in every city, every square and every mountain pass along the route”.