Giro route presentation not until mid-January, but the start is likely in Albania

Has the moment finally arrived? Apparently yes! Giro organizer RCS has officially announced that the routes will be presented on January 13. Let's hope it won't be canceled at the last minute this time. Either way, the teams will soon have only four months to prepare.

It is December, the month of the many team training camps. During these days, the various race plans are often shared with the riders, but what the Giro and Giro d'Italia Women will be like is unknown then. Organizer RCS Sport announced via social media channels that the official presentation of both tours will finally take place, but only on the second Monday of the new year.

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Women climb Mortirolo, and men start in Albania after all?

Rome is expected to be announced as the final point of the Giro on June 1. The Grand Partenza and opening stages of the Giro d'Italia 2025 are expected to occur in Albania starting Friday, May 9. The Giro d'Italia Women will be competed between July 6 and 13. There is speculation about the possible inclusion of the famous Passo di Mortirolo, which was last used as a Cima Coppi for women in 2016.

Initially, the route was supposed to be presented on November 12, but this was postponed until the end of October due to 'technical problems.' Rumors quickly spread that the start in Albania was the culprit. According to some sources, Albania would not have met financial agreements. Other rumors pointed to a political deal between Italy and Albania, in which the Giro would start as part of a larger settlement concerning immigration. It was even mentioned that the Grand Partenza might take place in Sicily. But that does not seem to be the case after all.

And then there are the acquisition rumors. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, better known as the PIF, is said to be interested in a financial takeover of RCS Sport. Should that plan come to fruition, it will certainly not be illogical to see the Tour of Italy in the Middle East in no time.

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