The 2026 Giro d'Italia will start in Bulgaria before crossing into Italian soil and covering a 3,459km route that will feature seven mountaintop finishes and 49,000 metres of climbing, culminating in a leg-breaking high-altitude finale that will set the scene for a dramatic fight for the maglia rosa before a traditional celebratory procession into Rome.
One time trial will shift the dynamics away from the mountain stages and could mark a decisive moment if the race comes down to mere seconds. However, it is more likely that the battle for the overall title will be fought on the slopes of the Blockhaus and Pila, and then in the mountain-heavy final week atop Alleghe (Piani di Pezzè) and Piancavallo.
