Saturday 10
May 2025
13,7 km
Altitude Gain 150 m
Starting in
A time trial for specialists. Predictably high averages are expected given the configuration of this very fast course, punctuated only by a few U-turns or sharp corners. In the city centre, there’s a short climb before entering the final stretch.
Host city:
The beating heart of Albania, Tirana is a city in constant evolution. A mix of Ottoman, communist, and contemporary architecture defines its historic centre. Skanderbeg Square, with its statue of the legendary national hero, is the focal point of city life. The Et’hem Bey Mosque, with its blue dome and minarets, is one of the most important monuments. The Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, the city’s main boulevard, is an ideal place for shopping and people-watching. Tirana is a young and dynamic city, boasting a lively nightlife and numerous trendy venues.
One of Tirana’s signature dishes is Tavë Kosi, a flavourful lamb casserole slow-cooked and covered in a creamy blend of yogurt, eggs, and flour, giving it a soft and slightly tangy taste. Equally famous is Fërgesë, a rich spread made of peppers, tomatoes, and ricotta, often served with crispy bread. Among the meat specialities, standout dishes include Qofte, grilled meatballs seasoned with spices, and Mish në Hell, marinated meat skewers slow-cooked to enhance their tenderness. For fish lovers, Peshk në Zgarë, grilled fish with olive oil and lemon, is a classic choice. Popular side dishes include Byrek, pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, and Speca të mbushura, peppers stuffed with rice and meat. Among desserts, Trileçe, a soft cake soaked in three types of milk, is loved for its delicate flavour, while Bakllava celebrates the Ottoman influence with its rich mix of honey and nuts.
The most representative wine is Shesh i Bardhë, a dry and fresh white wine, perfect with appetisers and seafood dishes, while Shesh i Zi, an intense red with fruity notes, pairs well with grilled meats and aged cheeses. Kallmet, produced from a native grape variety, is a full-bodied and structured red wine, often compared to some of the finest Balkan wines. Among spirits, Raki is Albania’s national drink par excellence. Distilled from grapes, plums, or mulberries, it is served as an aperitif or digestif and is often enjoyed during long conversations among friends. Another beloved drink is Boza, a sweet and slightly tangy fermented corn-based beverage, commonly consumed during Tirana’s hot summers. Dhallë, a refreshing yogurt-based drink diluted with water and salt, is ideal for pairing with hearty dishes such as Tavë Kosi. Finally, Turkish coffee is a daily ritual in the capital, prepared with finely ground coffee powder and served in small cups, often accompanied by a traditional sweet like Bakllava.
With its Ottoman past, communist era, and rapid transformation into a cosmopolitan hub, Tirana offers a wide range of attractions for those eager to explore its authentic soul. The heart of the city is Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Dominated by the Skanderbeg Statue, the square is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious structures spared during the communist regime, famous for its detailed frescoes, and the National Historical Museum, which tells Albania’s story through artefacts and exhibits. A short walk away is the Pyramid of Tirana, once a mausoleum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, now transformed into an alternative cultural space. A symbol of the communist era, today it is a controversial yet fascinating structure, popular among young people who climb it to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
For a natural escape, the Grand Park of Tirana is the city’s green lung, featuring the picturesque Artificial Lake, ideal for walks and relaxation. Inside the park, visitors can also find the UN Memorial and the Church of Saint Procopius, one of the oldest in the capital. One of the most intriguing locations is Bunk’Art, a former underground bunker turned into a museum dedicated to the history of the communist dictatorship. The exhibition offers a powerful and realistic insight into life in Albania under Hoxha’s regime. A similar experience is available at Bunk’Art 2, located in the city centre, which focuses on the themes of secret surveillance and political repression.
For those interested in shopping and nightlife, Blokku is Tirana’s trendiest district. Once reserved for the communist elite, today it is a lively hotspot filled with bars, restaurants, and stylish clubs, frequented by both young locals and tourists looking for entertainment. Finally, for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding mountains, visitors can take the Dajti Express cable car, which in just a few minutes reaches Mount Dajti, offering breathtaking panoramas and opportunities for nature excursions.
The beating heart of Albania, Tirana is a city in constant evolution. A mix of Ottoman, communist, and contemporary architecture defines its historic centre. Skanderbeg Square, with its statue of the legendary national hero, is the focal point of city life. The Et’hem Bey Mosque, with its blue dome and minarets, is one of the most important monuments. The Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, the city’s main boulevard, is an ideal place for shopping and people-watching. Tirana is a young and dynamic city, boasting a lively nightlife and numerous trendy venues.
One of Tirana’s signature dishes is Tavë Kosi, a flavourful lamb casserole slow-cooked and covered in a creamy blend of yogurt, eggs, and flour, giving it a soft and slightly tangy taste. Equally famous is Fërgesë, a rich spread made of peppers, tomatoes, and ricotta, often served with crispy bread. Among the meat specialities, standout dishes include Qofte, grilled meatballs seasoned with spices, and Mish në Hell, marinated meat skewers slow-cooked to enhance their tenderness. For fish lovers, Peshk në Zgarë, grilled fish with olive oil and lemon, is a classic choice. Popular side dishes include Byrek, pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, and Speca të mbushura, peppers stuffed with rice and meat. Among desserts, Trileçe, a soft cake soaked in three types of milk, is loved for its delicate flavour, while Bakllava celebrates the Ottoman influence with its rich mix of honey and nuts.
The most representative wine is Shesh i Bardhë, a dry and fresh white wine, perfect with appetisers and seafood dishes, while Shesh i Zi, an intense red with fruity notes, pairs well with grilled meats and aged cheeses. Kallmet, produced from a native grape variety, is a full-bodied and structured red wine, often compared to some of the finest Balkan wines. Among spirits, Raki is Albania’s national drink par excellence. Distilled from grapes, plums, or mulberries, it is served as an aperitif or digestif and is often enjoyed during long conversations among friends. Another beloved drink is Boza, a sweet and slightly tangy fermented corn-based beverage, commonly consumed during Tirana’s hot summers. Dhallë, a refreshing yogurt-based drink diluted with water and salt, is ideal for pairing with hearty dishes such as Tavë Kosi. Finally, Turkish coffee is a daily ritual in the capital, prepared with finely ground coffee powder and served in small cups, often accompanied by a traditional sweet like Bakllava.
With its Ottoman past, communist era, and rapid transformation into a cosmopolitan hub, Tirana offers a wide range of attractions for those eager to explore its authentic soul. The heart of the city is Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Dominated by the Skanderbeg Statue, the square is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious structures spared during the communist regime, famous for its detailed frescoes, and the National Historical Museum, which tells Albania’s story through artefacts and exhibits. A short walk away is the Pyramid of Tirana, once a mausoleum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, now transformed into an alternative cultural space. A symbol of the communist era, today it is a controversial yet fascinating structure, popular among young people who climb it to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
For a natural escape, the Grand Park of Tirana is the city’s green lung, featuring the picturesque Artificial Lake, ideal for walks and relaxation. Inside the park, visitors can also find the UN Memorial and the Church of Saint Procopius, one of the oldest in the capital. One of the most intriguing locations is Bunk’Art, a former underground bunker turned into a museum dedicated to the history of the communist dictatorship. The exhibition offers a powerful and realistic insight into life in Albania under Hoxha’s regime. A similar experience is available at Bunk’Art 2, located in the city centre, which focuses on the themes of secret surveillance and political repression.
For those interested in shopping and nightlife, Blokku is Tirana’s trendiest district. Once reserved for the communist elite, today it is a lively hotspot filled with bars, restaurants, and stylish clubs, frequented by both young locals and tourists looking for entertainment. Finally, for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding mountains, visitors can take the Dajti Express cable car, which in just a few minutes reaches Mount Dajti, offering breathtaking panoramas and opportunities for nature excursions.
Durazzo (Durrës) - Tirana (Tiranë)
Tirana (Tiranë) - Tirana (Tiranë) TUDOR ITT
Valona (Vlorë) - Valona (Vlorë)
Alberobello (Pietramadre) - Lecce
Ceglie Messapica - Matera
Potenza - Napoli
Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
Giulianova - Castelraimondo
Gubbio - Siena
Lucca - Pisa TUDOR ITT
Viareggio - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Modena - Viadana (Oglio-Po)
Rovigo - Vicenza
Treviso - Nova Gorica/Gorizia
Fiume Veneto - Asiago
Piazzola sul Brenta - San Valentino (Brentonico)
San Michele all'Adige (Fondazione Edmund Mach) - Bormio
Morbegno - Cesano Maderno
Biella - Champoluc
Verrès - Sestrière (Vialattea)
Roma - Roma
