This year's Giro is more than just a cycling race. It is a silent prayer on wheels, a journey of gratitude and remembrance. It began in Albania, passed through the green hills of Slovenia, and finally reached the heart of Italy not only geographically, but spiritually as well. The grand finale takes place in Rome. And that is no coincidence.
21 countries, 184 riders
The year 2025 is the year of remembrance for Pope Francis. He was the one who lived to proclaim the Holy Year, a year of forgiveness, of open doors, of hope. Now it has become a year of gratitude. For Rome this year is not simply a city. It is the spiritual summit of the Giro. A destination that exists not only on a map, but in the heart of humanity. The Giro has never been so international: 21 countries, 184 riders. And each of them is not just an athlete. Each is an ambassador, carrying the flag of their country, its language, its history. Among the participants are: Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Great Britain, Slovenia, Ecuador, Czech Republic, Israel, Canada, Poland, Mexico, Luxembourg, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, Portugal.
The first Giro took place in 1909
And all of this has a history. The first Giro took place in 1909, founded by the sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which was printed on pink paper. That is why the pink jersey, the maglia rosa, is the symbol of the dream, the goal of every rider. History rolls through Italy. Through cities that today celebrate a festival. Through streets lined with families, tourists, and the oldest residents of each town. Some applaud, some stand in silence, some weep. Children wave small flags. Old traditions fill the villages with a quiet light. For today, history passes through their streets.
The Giro is also a magic of colors
The purple jersey for the sprinters, the blue for the kings of the mountains, the white for the best young riders. But the pink jersey, that is the heart. That is hope. It is the beauty of a journey that leads not only through landscapes but through the heart. And then, through the soul. On June 1, for the first time in its history, the Giro will pass through Vatican City, with riders completing a symbolic passage through the Vatican Gardens before continuing the race in Rome. The route through the Vatican, in particular along what is known as the "Via Mariana", is meant to symbolize the international dimension of faith and sport. Originally, Pope Francis was to personally bless the start of the final stage. Following his passing, the route was adjusted to honor his legacy.
This year's Giro has never been so international: 21 countries, 184 riders. (Photo: Pixabay)
Stage schedule of the Giro d'Italia 2025(Selected symbolic stages)May 9 (Thursday) Morbegno to Cesano Maderno, 144 km Flat stage, an opportunity for sprinters. May 22 (Thursday) Modena to Viadana, 172 km Another stage for fast legs. May 23 (Friday) Rovigo to Vicenza, 180 km Opportunity for attacks. May 24 (Saturday) Treviso to Nova Gorica (Slovenia), 195 km A stage across the border, a symbol of international solidarity. May 25 (Sunday) Fiume Veneto to Asiago, 219 km A mountainous stage with serious challenges. May 27 (Tuesday) Piazzola sul Brenta to San Valentino, 203 km Several demanding climbs. May 28 (Wednesday) San Michele all'Adige to Bormio, 155 km Featuring the ascent of the legendary Mortirolo, one of the most grueling climbs in Italy. May 30 (Friday) Biella to Champoluc, 166 km A decisive mountain stage for the overall contenders. May 31 (Saturday) Verrès to Sestrière, 205 km The penultimate stage, one that could change everything. June 1 (Sunday) The grand finale in Rome, as an act of gratitude, a prayer, and the close of a great story.