For the 15th time in its prestigious history, the Giro d’Italia will start abroad, as its pink caravan will roll through the roads of Albania to open the 2025 edition. A country yet to shine under the spotlight of top-tier cycling will step directly onto the main stage, as few platforms rival a Grande Partenza in terms of international exposure. And these won’t be mere transitional stages; they promise fireworks from the outset. Much like the thrilling Turin and Oropa stages in 2024, the Giro 108 opens with three demanding days: first, the explosive Durrës – Tiranë, followed by a 13.7 km time trial winding through the capital, and finally, the Vlorë – Vlorë stage, featuring the Giro’s first major climb, the Llogara Pass. By the time the peloton leaves Albania, we should already have some hints about the riders to watch.
Sprinters will need to bide their time until the race returns to Italy, where fast finishes are expected in Lecce, Matera – though not without some effort – and Naples, with its stunning Via Caracciolo finale right by the sea. The first significant shake-up in the general classification will likely come on Stage 8 with the uphill finish in Tagliacozzo, while Stage 9 in Castelraimondo might favor a long-range breakaway. Before the first rest day, the spotlight turns to the white roads of Tuscany, in the Gubbio – Siena stage, which promises plenty of dust and thrills. With nearly 30 km of gravel over the final 70 km and a finish in the iconic Piazza del Campo, this fraction is a tribute to the famous Strade Bianche classic.
At this point, the Giro’s narrative should begin to take shape, and the 28.6 km flat time trial from Lucca to Pisa could spring a trap for those less suited to solo efforts. The following day’s stage to Castelnovo ne’ Monti, nestled beneath the Pietra di Bismantova mount, offers opportunities for breakaways or for riders aiming to claw back lost time. A likely sprint finish in Viadana precedes the punchy climb to Monte Berico in Vicenza, where explosive riders – or opportunistic breakaways – could take the day. Stage 14 crosses into Slovenia, the beating heart of cycling in recent years, with a sprinter-friendly finish in Nova Gorica. This relatively tame second week concludes with the stage to Asiago, featuring Monte Grappa in its central section and the climb to Dori, where some GC contenders might test the waters before the last rest day.
The third week kicks off with fireworks, including a summit finish in San Valentino (Brentonico), the climax of a grueling day featuring 5 KOMs. Stage 17 brings the iconic Passo del Tonale and the legendary Mortirolo, culminating in Bormio – a decisive two-day stretch certain to shape the overall standings. A sprint in Cesano Maderno offers brief respite before the Biella to Champoluc stage, a brutal day that packs in climbs like Col Tzecore, Col Saint-Pantaléon, Col de Joux, and the punishing ascent to Antagnod. The penultimate stage, a true test of endurance and nerve, includes the infamous Colle delle Finestre, with its savage gradients and gravel sections. The final showdown between the GC favorites wraps up at Sestrière. Then, the riders will fly to Rome for a ceremonial parade through the historic streets and monuments of the Eternal City.
