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Albania’s Giro Debut: Climbs and Tactics in the Battle for Pink

27/12/2024

The 2025 Giro d’Italia is set to deliver a thrilling opening in Albania, with a stage that’s anything but a leisurely introduction to this beautiful country. Spanning 164 km from Durrës to Tirana, this opening stage of the Giro d’Italia 2025 blends urban flair with serious climbing challenges. Much like the 2024 opener in Turin, we are dealing with a typical “mountain stage in the city“, featuring significant elevation changes that will test the riders right from day one.

The Corsa Rosa begins along the shores of the Adriatic Sea, in Durrës, Albania’s largest port city. Known for its importance for the country’s economy, Durrës connects Albania to Italy and Europe while offering a mix of vibrant nightlife, busy beaches, and historical landmarks. Highlights include the Roman amphitheater, one of the largest in the Balkans, and the city’s medieval walls, which provide a culturally rich backdrop for the start of the race.

After an opening stretch of 70 km on flat terrain, the riders will face the first significant challenge of the Giro: the climb to Gracen (2nd cat., 13.5 km at 5.2% with steep pitches reaching 11%). While the climb is located over 80 km from the finish and is unlikely to cause major splits, it will serve as a key early test for the athletes. Following a fast descent, the peloton will enter Tirana, where the race’s decisive moments will unfold on a 22.2 km circuit to be ridden twice. The loop features the Surrel climb, a 3rd cat. ascent of 4 km that begins with punishingly steep gradients before leveling off to around 5%. The second passage over Surrel crests just 12 km from the finish, making it an ideal launchpad for attacks. A technical descent and a fast approach to the finish line will reward aggressive riders looking to claim the first Maglia Rosa of the Giro.

Tirana, the political and cultural capital of Albania, will serve as the stage’s finishing location. Known for its unique blend of Ottoman, Fascist-era, and modern architecture, the city’s focal point is Skanderbeg Square, which features iconic landmarks such as the statue of Albania’s national hero, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum. Beyond its historical significance, Tirana is a vibrant city with youthful energy, particularly in neighborhoods like Blloku, a former Communist elite district now bustling with trendy bars, restaurants, and art spaces.

Tirana is also famous for its vibrant youth energy and growing arts and culture sector, with neighborhoods such as Blloku, once reserved for the communist elite, now transformed into bustling areas of trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs. The city’s commitment to sustainability, including cycling initiatives and the development of green spaces such as the Artificial Lake Park, makes it a fitting venue for the Giro d’Italia. For the first time ever, Tirana is set to host the world’s elite cyclists, adding to the city’s growing reputation as a cultural and sporting hub.

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