Giro d’Italia to start in Albania in 2025

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(FILES) Astana Qazaqstan Team's British rider Mark Cavendish sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates on the podium after winning the twenty-first and last stage of the Giro d'Italia 2023 cycling race, 135 km in and around Rome on May 28, 2023. Cycling great Mark Cavendish announced his retirement from the sport on November 9, 2024, writing on social media that his final race will be Sunday's Tour de France Singapore Criterium. "Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career," wrote the 39-year-old British sprint legend, the record stage winner on the Tour de France with 35, in a post on Instagram. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)

Astana Qazaqstan Team's British rider Mark Cavendish celebrates on the podium after winning the Giro d'Italia 2023 cycling race.

PHOTO: AFP

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ROME - The 2025 Giro d’Italia will start in Albania for the first time with the opening three stages in May, organisers announced on Dec 23.

The first stage on May 9 will start in port city Durres and finish in the Albanian capital Tirana.

“Albania may not have a strong tradition in this sport, having never hosted major events or produced renowned champions, but there is always a reason, and a date, to start something new and beautiful,” race organisers said.

The rest of the route will be announced next month.

“This will be an exceptional opportunity to show our splendid country to 800 million spectators around the world,” said Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Slovenian star Tadej Pogacar won his maiden Giro crown this year, adding to his three Tour de France titles. AFP

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