TIRANA, Albania — The Giro d’Italia will kick off its next edition in Albania, as confirmed by race organizers on Monday. The event will feature the first three stages taking place in Albania from May 9 to May 11.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his enthusiasm for this prestigious event during a press briefing, remarking, “With such a launch, we are truly an Italy along the coast, welcoming not just a sporting event but also one that captivates a wide audience. Over these three days, our country will be bustling with champions and friends.”

This announcement follows challenges faced by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s initiative to process asylum seekers outside the European Union in Albania, highlighting a complex backdrop to the sporting occasion.

The opening stage of the Giro will begin in Durres, a port city, and will cover a hilly 164-kilometer (102-mile) route to Tirana. The next stage will feature a 13.7-kilometer (8.5-mile) individual time trial in Tirana, while Stage 3 will be another challenging leg of 160 kilometers (99 miles), starting and ending in the coastal city of Vlore. Vlore is located directly across the Adriatic Sea from Puglia, Italy, where the race will resume after a rest day on May 13.

Albania has experienced a notable surge in tourism over the past two years, with foreign visitor numbers surpassing 10 million in 2024.

Paolo Bellino, the CEO of RCS Sport, the organizing body for the race, shared his hopes for the event, saying, “I wish for two things: sunny weather and the joy of the Albanian people, as I hope they will come out into the streets to cheer as fans.”

The complete route of next year’s Giro d’Italia is set to be revealed next month. Tadej Pogacar emerged as the champion of this year’s Giro, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming competition.