The Giro d’Italia 2025 is set to be a thrilling three-week journey, challenging the world’s best cyclists across diverse landscapes. But where does this iconic race begin, and where does the final sprint take place?

This year, the Giro is making history with a start outside of Italy, kicking off in a city that many wouldn’t expect. Meanwhile, the finish line will bring a grand spectacle in one of the most historically rich locations in the world. With two individual time trials and multiple stages stretching beyond 200 km, this year’s edition promises unforgettable moments.

Let’s break down where it all begins and how the final showdown will unfold.

The Grand Départ: Where It All Begins

For the first time, the Giro d’Italia 2025 will start in Durrës, Albania. While the race has had foreign starts before, this marks a new chapter, bringing the Giro to the shores of the Adriatic.

Why Albania?

A Strategic Gateway – Durrës is a historic port city linking Eastern and Western Europe.

Unpredictable Racing – The early stages could see coastal winds playing a key role, shaking up the peloton.

Expanding the Giro’s Reach – Previous starts in Hungary, Israel, and the Netherlands show the Giro’s global appeal, and Albania now joins this list.

The opening stages will see riders tackling new roads before heading into Italy, making this an exciting departure from tradition.

The Final Destination: A Spectacle in Rome

After weeks of punishing climbs, relentless sprints, and tactical battles, the Giro d’Italia 2025 will conclude in Rome on 1st June.

What Makes Rome the Perfect Finish?

A Grand Finale – The city’s landmarks, including the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica, provide a breathtaking backdrop.

A High-Speed Finish – The final stage often favours sprinters, making for an explosive last-day showdown.

A Historic Choice – While Milan has often been the race’s last stop, Rome has become an increasingly popular choice.

Whether the general classification is already decided or the race goes down to the wire, Rome guarantees a spectacular ending.

What’s Special About the 2025 Route?

This year’s race is not just about its start and finish. The Giro d’Italia 2025 will feature:

✔ Two Individual Time Trials – A crucial test for riders aiming for the general classification.

✔ Three Stages Exceeding 200 km – These long-haul stages will push endurance levels to the limit.

✔ Demanding Climbs – The Italian mountains will play a decisive role in shaping the leaderboard.

✔ Unpredictable Spring Weather – Rain, heat, and even snow in the high-altitude stages could shake things up.

Every kilometre counts in a race like this, and the diverse terrain means no rider can afford to relax.

How It Compares to Other Grand Tours

Many cycling fans compare the Giro to the Tour de France Maillot Jaune battle. While the yellow jersey is the pinnacle of cycling prestige, the Giro d’Italia 2025 offers its own unique challenges.

• Steeper Climbs – The Giro often features tougher ascents than the Tour, making it a climber’s race.
• Technical Routes – Italian roads tend to be narrower and more unpredictable than the French countryside.
• Weather Challenges – Unlike the typically warm Tour de France, the Giro’s May start means riders must be ready for varying conditions.

While the Tour might have a larger global audience, the Giro remains one of the most technically demanding races in the sport.

What to Expect from the 2025 Race

As the Giro d’Italia 2025 unfolds from Durrës to Rome, fans can expect:

🔹 A Fresh International Start – Albania adds a new flavour to the race’s legacy.

🔹 Iconic Climbs and Fast Descents – Riders will face brutal mountains and thrilling downhill finishes.

🔹 A Historic Ending in Rome – The final sprint will take place in one of the most stunning settings in cycling.

With a mix of new challenges and traditional race elements, this edition is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether you’re cheering from the roadside or following every stage on TV, the Giro d’Italia 2025 delivers non-stop action.