2025 Giro d'Italia routes to be revealed on November 12th

The Grande Partenza of the Giro is highly likely to commence in Albania. Consequently, the initial three stages are set to unfold within this Balkan nation, with an early rest day scheduled for Monday, May 12th.

Post crossing the Adriatic Sea, the race is anticipated to resume from the Puglia region, potentially starting from either Bari or Brindisi, situated in Italy's far south. The route is then expected to advance northward, traversing through Campania, Abruzzo, and Tuscany. It is reported that the itinerary will include both the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coastlines, as well as the Apennine mountains. L’Aquila is considered a possible stop, notable for Pello Bilbao's remarkable breakaway victory in 2019.

The event is slated to feature two time trials, with one likely occurring between Lucca and Pisa. Additionally, the inaugural stage may also be a time trial set in Tirana, the capital of Albania.

Speculation hints at the Giro briefly entering Slovenia during the penultimate weekend, the native country of cyclists Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic. A hilly route leading to Novo Gorica is expected to constitute stage 14, followed by a challenging mountain stage that concludes in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a location the Giro revisited in 2021. That year's stage was initially planned to include La Crosetta, Passo Fedaia, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Giau, but adverse weather conditions rendered the middle two climbs inaccessible. Egan Bernal emerged victorious in the modified stage.

Should this information hold true, the final week of the race will kick off in northeastern Italy, close to the Slovenian frontier, before veering westward. This trajectory might entail a revisit to the Passo dello Stelvio, potentially culminating with a descent finish in Bormio. The stage preceding the last is expected to conclude with an uphill finish in Sestriere, possibly incorporating the gravel paths of the Colle delle Finestre.

The ultimate stage of the Corsa Rosa is set to conclude in Rome, with a route that will likely traverse the cobblestones of Vatican City.

Pogacar was the dominant force in the 2024 Giro d'Italia, securing victory in six stages and maintaining the lead for 20 days. Although his return in 2025 seems improbable, Vegni remains optimistic about drawing other Grand Tour competitors. Primož Roglic, the victor of the 2023 edition, has hinted at a possible return in 2025, while Juan Ayuso is expected to assume the leadership role for UAE Team Emirates.