Albania to Host the Grande Partenza of the 2025 Giro d'Italia!
The 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia will kick off in Albania, hosting the prestigious departure of the Corsa Rosa for the first time in its history.
The action begins on Friday, May 9, with a medium-mountain stage starting in Durres (Dürres) and finishing in Tirana (Tiranë). This fraction will offer a “mountain stage in the city”, featuring 1,800 meters of climbing spread across 164 km – a demanding course that will immediately set the tone for the race.
On Saturday, May 10, the streets of Tirana (Tiranë) will be transformed into a battleground for a 13.7 km individual time trial. This crucial test against the clock will be an early decider for those with their sights set on the general classification.
The Albanian trilogy of stages will conclude with another medium-mountain stage on Sunday, May 11, a 160 km loop starting and ending in Vlora (Vlöre) with 2,800 meters of elevation gain. This final stage on Albanian soil promises an epic challenge, capping off a thrilling opening to the Giro d’Italia 2025!
Stage 1: Durazzo (Durrës) – Tirana (Tiranë)
9 May 2025
164 km, 1,800 m of elevation gain
A mixed stage with a challenging finale that will reveal the team leaders’ condition right from the start. The approach heads inland from the coast, tackling the area around the capital via the Gracen pass, followed by a final circuit featuring a double ascent of Surrel with gradients in the double digits in the first part.
Stage 2: Tirana (Tiranë) - Tirana (Tiranë) TUDOR ITT
10 May 2025
13.7 km, 150 m of elevation gain
A time trial for specialists. Predictably high averages are expected given the configuration of this very fast course, punctuated only by a few U-turns or sharp corners. In the city centre, there’s a short climb before entering the final stretch.
Stage 3: Valona (Vlorë) - Valona (Vlorë)
11 May 2025
160 km, 2,800 m of elevation gain
A mixed stage featuring numerous ups and downs in the first three-quarters, along with two significant climbs with occasionally steep gradients. The second climb is over 10 km and above 1000 m. A long descent leads to Valona for a likely reduced sprint finish.
Discover the Grande Partenza Albania 2025 route
Watch the video route of the Great Departure Albania 2025.
