Berlin, 24 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The start of the 2025 Giro d'Italia, known as Grande Partenza, will take place in Albania, organizers said in a statement on Monday.

The country will host the first three stages of the traditional cycling tour on May 9-11. This is the first time Albania will welcome a major cycling competition.

"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," organizers said.

"Albanian fans will not only witness something historic – since great cycling has never visited their country before – but they will also enjoy a high-level sporting spectacle, as the Giro favorites will be called into action right away."

The race will start in the coastal city of Durrës. From there, the route will head inland and continue to Tirana. In total, the riders will have to cover 164 kilometres.

The third and final stage in Albania will feature a 160 km route unfolding around Vlorë.

The announcement of the route and, therefore, the race start was delayed. It was supposed to be released in November, but was postponed due to technical issues.

According to media reports, there were disagreements between Giro organizers RCS and the Albanian government. RCS have denied these reports.

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