Giro d’Italia 2024 Unveiled: Bulgaria to Host Grand Départ, Routes Confirmed
The 109th Giro d’Italia, scheduled from May 8 to May 31, and the inaugural Giro d’Italia Women, beginning May 30 and concluding June 7, were officially presented at the All’Ennio Morricone Music Park Auditorium in Rome. The event showcased the routes for both races and drew a high-profile audience from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and politics.
The presentation, hosted by Pierluigi Pardo and Barbara Pedrotti, featured interviews with attendees conducted by Paolo Pacchioni of RTL 102.5, the official radio partner of the Giro d’Italia. A significant contingent of dignitaries and industry leaders were in attendance, signaling the broad appeal and importance of the Corsa Rosa.
Among those present were reigning champions Simon Yates and Elisa Longo Borghini, alongside two-time Giro winner Vincenzo Nibali. The event also welcomed a Bulgarian delegation led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, and Minister of Sport and Youth Policies Ivan Peshev, underscoring the significance of Bulgaria hosting the race’s Grande Partenza.
Italian officials offered their support via video message, including Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian Cycling Federation Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Professional Cycling League Roberto Pella, and President of ICE Matteo Zoppas. Alessandro Onorato, Councilor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Rome Capital, served as host. Top executives from RCS Group, including President Urban Cairo, CEO of RCS Sports & Events Paolo Bellino, Giro d’Italia Director Mauro Vegni, and La Gazzetta dello Sport Director Stefano Barigelli, were also present.
Bulgaria Set to Launch the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The 2024 edition of the Giro d’Italia will begin with three stages in Bulgaria, offering a challenging start to the race. According to a senior official, the Bulgarian stages are designed to be an “appetizer” for the Corsa Rosa, with some particularly difficult terrain expected in the second stage.
The first stage will be a coastal race, starting and finishing on the Black Sea, between Nessebar and Burgas, and will award the first Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey). The second stage will cover a demanding 220 kilometers from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo, culminating in a 3.5 km climb with a 7.5% gradient. The final Bulgarian stage will see riders race from Plovdiv to Sofia, a route anticipated to favor sprinters.
The choice of Bulgaria as the starting location represents a strategic move to expand the Giro d’Italia’s international reach and promote cycling in new markets. One analyst noted that this decision aligns with the race’s broader efforts to engage new audiences and showcase the beauty of diverse landscapes.
