Giro d'Italia, one month to go: countdown begins aboard the Amerigo Vespucci in Durrës

Top-level cycling by RCS Sport and the Vespucci Mediterranean Tour reunited in Durrës, one month ahead of the start of the Giro d’Italia from Albania, for an exclusive countdown event held in collaboration with Official Time Keeper TUDOR, aboard the Italian Navy’s ship.

The next meetings between RCS Sport and the Vespucci Mediterranean Tour will take place on May 15 in Naples (at the finish of Stage 6) and on June 1 in Civitavecchia (start and finish of the final stage of the Giro), where the Amerigo Vespucci will be docked.

The ship’s motto, “Not who begins, but who perseveres”, perfectly mirrors the spirit of cycling—highlighting the sacrifice and passion shared by life at sea and on the road.

Hosting the event was the Commander of the Vespucci, Navy Captain Giuseppe Lai, who welcomed onboard Albania’s Minister of Sport Ogerta Manastirliu and Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events, and Emiriana Sako, Mayor of Durrës.

Quotes

Ogerta Manastirliu, Albanian Minister of Education, Sports and Youth:
“It is an honor for us to have been chosen to host the Grande Partenza of an international event like the Giro d’Italia. For all of Albania, this will be a moment to promote both sport and tourism, with an impact that will be felt in the short and long term. The Giro is broadcast all over the world, and for this reason, the cities involved are working hard to ensure that Albania is showcased at its very best. Sport is a powerful vehicle for youth, and an event like this will undoubtedly give a major boost to cycling, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts”.

Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager, RCS Sports & Events: “Being here today in Durrës, aboard the Amerigo Vespucci – a timeless symbol of our country – is deeply meaningful. We are exactly thirty days away from the start of the 2025 Giro d’Italia from this very city, and we couldn’t have imagined a more fitting setting to mark the countdown. The bond between the Giro and the Vespucci, two icons of Italian excellence, tells a story of passion, beauty, commitment, and vision.Taking the Corsa Rosa beyond Italy’s borders, starting from a friendly land like Albania, allows us to strengthen international dialogue, promote our cultural heritage, and spread the values that cycling so powerfully represents. The Italy that pedals is the same Italy that sails: proud of its roots, but always looking to the future. And the Giro d’Italia has always been its most captivating ambassador”.

Giuseppe Lai, Commander of the Vespucci, Navy Captain: “Amerigo Vespucci and the Giro d’Italia are two Italian excellences coming together to promote shared values of sport, culture, technological innovation, and Italian craftsmanship. We are proud to have hosted the countdown to the start of the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia on board, and I thank the CEO of RCS Sport, Paolo Bellino, for this important opportunity to connect. This year, the Corsa Rosa will start right here in Durrës, a city chosen by the Vespucci to celebrate the strong bond between Italy and Albania, and for this I thank the Minister of Sport, Ogerta Manastirliu, and the Mayor of Durrës, Emiriana Sako, for their presence”.