There is very little time left until Albania hosts the “Giro d’Italia,” one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, where “La Grande Partenza 2025” – the Grand Departure 2025 – will take place.

This event will capture the attention of sports enthusiasts around the globe, offering everyone the opportunity to watch it live on more than 200 television networks worldwide.

The famous and historic race, with a 114-year tradition, will bring together the world’s top cyclists on May 9, 10, and 11 in Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë. The cyclists will tackle various terrains on their way to the final destination.

The “Giro d’Italia” is one of the largest annual sporting events, and as such, it will play a significant role in promoting Albania internationally, boosting tourism, and contributing to the country’s economic development.

“Amerigo Vespucci”

On April 9, the “Amerigo Vespucci,” one of the most iconic and prestigious vessels of the Italian Navy, a symbol of history, tradition, and passion for the sea, will dock at the Port of Durrës.

As part of the Giro d’Italia, the visit of the “Amerigo Vespucci” to Durrës also serves to promote Italian culture worldwide.

A special environment will be created aboard the ship, where the “Senza Fine” Trophy will be displayed in the presence of 50 distinguished guests from various institutions and the media.

Among the distinguished guests will be the Commander of the “Amerigo Vespucci,” Prime Minister Edi Rama, the CEO of RCS Sports & Events, Paolo Bellino, representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the Italian Navy, as well as the Italian Ambassador to Albania.

The Three Stages of the Giro d’Italia Grand Departure in Albania

Stage 1, May 9, 2025 – Distance: 164 kilometers:

The race will begin in Durrës and head toward Bishqem-Fushë, Papër, Gracen, then proceed through Surrel and the entire Dajti mountain, and finally reach Tirana.

The route includes an elevation gain of 1,800 meters over 164 kilometers to Tirana, with a second-category GPM after 70 km. The climb spans 13.5 km at an average gradient of 5.2%, with a maximum gradient of 11%. The final 22 km circuit includes a short climb that will be repeated twice before a potential sprint finish.

Stage 2 (Time Trial), May 10, 2025 – Distance: 13.7 kilometers:

The race will start and finish in Tirana. This will be a flat and urban time trial, covering the main streets of the city. Starting from Skënderbej Square, the 13.7 km course will take cyclists through the city’s major roads. The intermediate time at 8 km will feature a Category 4 climb of 1.5 km at a 6% gradient. The second half of the stage is a downhill stretch that is flat until the finish line, though cyclists will need strong handling skills.

Stage 3, May 11, 2025 – Distance: 160 kilometers:

The race will start and finish in Vlorë.

On May 11, 2025, the stage will begin in Vlorë, covering much of the southern coastline. The route includes Vlorë – Peshkëpi – Qafa e Dushkut – Brataj – Qafa e Shkallës – Porto Palermo – Himarë – Qafa e Vishës – Iliaz – Qafa e Llogorasë – Orikum, and return to Vlorë. The total elevation gain will be 2,700 meters over 160 kilometers, with two GPMs: the first at Category 4 and the second less than 40 km before the final descent to the finish line.

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