And suddenly, the first Grand Tour of the year is underway. The Giro d’Italia has kicked off on unconventional roads. In recent years, the Corsa Rosa has embraced exotic starts—not necessarily in remote countries, but in nations with little tradition in professional cycling. Over the past five years, the Giro has departed from three unusual foreign countries: Hungary (2022), Albania (2025), and Bulgaria (2026).
If we rewind a bit further, we find Israel (2018), though that edition was tied to the moving story of Gino Bartali, who saved Italian Jews during World War II. The list, which now includes 15 foreign starts, also features beginnings in Northern Ireland, Denmark, Greece… Diverse choices.
Undoubtedly, the Giro is the most daring race when it comes to its starting locations, having even turned this into a hallmark. What lies behind this policy? Logically, a significant reason is financial. In Budapest, figures of €10 million were mentioned; in Jerusalem, €13 million. Sports organizations are private entities—there’s nothing to criticize there.
What do they offer the host country in return? A tourism image return. The cycling peloton is the world’s best traveling advertisement for showcasing a region’s attractions.
And what are the risks? On one hand, security concerns. These countries are inexperienced in cycling culture, and their people and roads are not always accustomed to high-level competition, which has already created dangerous situations. On the other hand, sporting irrelevance. These early stages often contribute little to the overall route and don’t always provide a spectacle. The purpose is clearly different—and that’s not necessarily bad.
The Giro promotes cycling in places with little tradition, where the elite never competes. Bulgaria, for example, would have no other way to enjoy Jonas Vingegaard. So let’s all enjoy it.