Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome: “We are happy and proud to welcome the Giro d’Italia to Rome for the third consecutive year—the spectacular pink finale that cycling enthusiasts simply cannot do without. This presence is renewed this year with an exciting symbolic start from Vatican City: a tribute to Pope Francis, his persona, and his message of hope in the Jubilee year. It will be an unforgettable eve of Republic Day, a day that will blend sporting passion with universal values, on a route that touches the heart of “La Grande Bellezza,” culminating at the Circus Maximus. The Giro d’Italia will deliver a spectacular finale to the world, and Rome will once again be by its side, creating another unforgettable postcard moment”.
Urbano Cairo, President of RCS MediaGroup: “It is an honor to celebrate the Grand Finale of the Giro in the heart of Rome, paying tribute to Pope Francis and his message of hope. In such an important year—the Jubilee Year—having the support and thought of Pope Francis brings even greater meaning to our event. It will be an unforgettable stage, where sport and culture will blend in a setting like no other in the world. June 1 will surely be a day to remember”.
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Rome: “Three years ago, we brought the Giro d’Italia finale to Rome and can proudly say it was a winning bet: now we aim to make it a tradition for the capital. We’re thrilled because it’s a major event that involves the whole city—not just the center but beautiful areas like Ostia as well—generating an estimated economic impact between €100 and €200 million, according to a Banca Ifis study. It will be a grand social and sporting celebration, a unique spectacle with free participation: in the previous two editions, more than 1.5 million residents and tourists attended. It will also be an extraordinary opportunity for tourism promotion, with breathtaking images broadcast in over 200 countries and viewed by more than 700 million spectators worldwide. This year, it’s especially meaningful to include a symbolic passage through the Vatican, as a tribute to Pope Francis”.
Bishop Paul Tighe, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education: “I would like to publicly thank our late Pope Francis for embracing this initiative. I also thank all those involved—the Governorate of Vatican City State, the Giro d’Italia organizers, the City of Rome, and Athletica Vaticana, along with the Dicastery for Culture and Education—for designing this moment together. The passage through the Vatican Gardens will not be a ‘tourist ride’ but a ‘symbolic journey,’ traveling the Marian Way, where images of the Virgin Mary from all over the world are present. Thus, this passage through the Vatican will feel like a small tour of the world. Another reason for this symbolic passage is to celebrate the Jubilee of Hope”.
Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sports & Events: “Bringing the Giro d’Italia finale to the unique setting of Rome for the third consecutive year is a source of great pride for us. This year, with the symbolic start in Vatican City, made possible thanks to Pope Francis’ sensitivity, we add an even more special element to an event that grows in visibility and prestige every year. Rome will offer riders and spectators a magnificent backdrop, with a route that highlights the city’s historic beauty and the emotions of sport. It will be a truly extraordinary celebration of passion and participation”.
Mauro Vegni, Director of the Giro d’Italia: “Rome will once again offer a spectacular finale for the Giro d’Italia, crossing iconic landmarks known worldwide. The start from Vatican City, strongly desired by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year, adds a special emotional value to this stage, merging sport with spirituality. The city circuit, featuring historic and evocative sites like Circus Maximus, Ostia, and the Imperial Forums, will provide riders and spectators with a stunning setting to celebrate the end of the Corsa Rosa. It will be a memorable day, paying tribute to Rome and the message of hope shared by Pope Francis”.
Vincenzo Nibali: “Rome is a city that always offers unique emotions, and it’s wonderful that the Giro d’Italia will once again conclude here. In past years, we’ve seen an incredible turnout of spectators, and for me, there’s some regret at never having had the chance to race on these streets. This year, the passage through Vatican City will also be a special experience for the riders”.
Stefano Barigelli, Director of La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The Giro and La Gazzetta have been together since the very beginning. Choosing to end the most beautiful race in the world in Rome is the natural culmination of a journey that symbolically connects the entire country”.
