Giro 2026 Route stage 1: Nessebar – Burgas

Friday 8 May – The Giro d'Italia gets under way with a pan-flat opener on Bulgarian soil. The 147-kilometre stage is likely to erupt in a cracking sprint, so the fast men will be dreaming of the pink jersey.

Last updated 8 May 2026 - link to race results added

Spectators and riders alike will be treated all day to Black Sea sightseeing. The course loops endlessly along the water, showcasing every local beauty spot in lavish detail.

There isn’t so much as a pinprick of climbing to test the legs, although there are two KOM sprints on an intermediate circuit. Obviously, the 1.1-kilometre 'climb' at 2.5% is only there to crown a mountain king at the end of the day.

The Grande Partenza promises to be spectacular and blisteringly fast. The wind, however, may come into play along the coast. Unless it happens to be utterly still, the continual twisting and turning of the route should ensure the riders catch the breeze on their faces now and then. Even a near-certain sprint can be nudged in a particular direction by that.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 1st stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.

Time bonuses of 6, 4 and 2 seconds are up for grabs at the intermediate sprint at kilometre 114.7; at the finish line, 10, 6 and 4 await the first three riders.

Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2026 Giro d'Italia.