After the “mountain stage in the city” and the individual time trial on the streets of Tirana, the three-day Albanian leg of the Giro d’Italia 2025 will come to an end with another challenging stage, poised to once again reshape the general classification. The fraction finishes on the shores of Vlorë (Valona), but don’t let that deceive you – this route is tailor-made for climbers.
The 160 km loop begins and ends in Vlorë. While the first 60 km are relatively straightforward, the race will heat up as the kilometers tick by. The first climb of the day is Q. Shakellës (4th cat.), a short but intense effort, particularly in the first two kilometers, where gradients exceed 8%. After a swift descent, the route climbs again toward Qafa e Vishës, though this ascent is not classified as a KOM.
The day’s centerpiece is the Qafa e Llogarasë (Llogara Pass), a 2nd cat. climb measuring 10.7 km with an average gradient of 7.4% and peaks of 12%. This is a serious climb, by far the toughest of our Albanian journey. If tackled at a hard pace, it is bound to cause significant splits. The summit is located at 39 km to go, including a long descent followed by 25 flat kilometers leading to the finish line in Vlorë.
Vlorë boasts a rich history dating back to antiquity and is known as the “cradle of Albanian independence“, as this is where Albania declared its independence in 1912, a pivotal event commemorated by the city’s Museum of Independence. Today, Vlorë is one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its pristine beaches, such as those on the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. The city also features a recently renovated waterfront, a bustling area filled with cafés, restaurants, and spaces for relaxation and strolling. Nearby lies the Llogara National Park, a natural reserve in a mountainous area offering spectacular views of the sea and coastline.
At the end of the day, the pink caravan will board a ferry to Italy, marking the conclusion of an intense three-day adventure in Albania. By this point, we can confidently expect the Maglia Rosa to be worn by one of the race’s top contenders.
