The Red Bull KM is back at the Giro d’Italia 2026, the spectacular feature introduced in 2025 that immediately made an impact on the general classification and added excitement to the battle for the Maglia Rosa. Compared to last year, there is one key change set to significantly reshape the race dynamics: the Red Bull KM will be placed much closer to the finish line.
This strategic decision is set to ignite competition at the most decisive moments of each stage. In 20 of the 21 stages (excluding the time trial – Stage 10), the Red Bull KM will become a true springboard into the finale, pushing general classification contenders to make their moves and fight for every second just as the tension reaches its peak.
As in 2025, the first three riders to pass under the second Red Bull KM arch will earn time bonuses of 6, 4, and 2 seconds respectively. There will be no other intermediate opportunities to gain precious seconds for the overall classification, except at the stage finish, where only the stage winner receives a 10-second time bonus.
The Red Bull KM proved crucial to the outcome of the Giro d’Italia from the outset. A clear example is Isaac Del Toro, runner-up in the general classification and winner of the Maglia Bianca for best young rider, who gained a total of 14 bonus seconds through these sprints.
In 2026, with the stage finale looming even closer, the approach to the Red Bull KM promises to be even more explosive, making each stage outcome even more unpredictable.
In a stage race where every second matters, the new placement will make each Red Bull KM passage even more critical and decisive for the Maglia Rosa. Team strategies will shape the spectacle.
Get ready for more explosive stage finales, higher speeds, and an even tighter battle for the general classification, day after day.
Alongside the sporting action, Red Bull will also play a key role off the bike with dedicated on-site activations designed to engage the public and amplify the race experience, bringing fans closer to the energy and adrenaline of the Giro and immersing them even further in the action.
