site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Highlights Bulgaria’s Role in 2026 Giro d’Italia
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov Monday concluded the official ceremony unveiling the 109th Giro d’Italia route in Rome. Zhelyazkov expressed pride in announcing that the 2026 edition of the race will start in Bulgaria.
“For me, it is an honour to announce that Bulgaria will host the start of the Giro d’Italia with the first three stages. Only 11 years ago, the first Bulgarian, Nikolay Mihaylov, took part in the Giro d’Italia as a rider. Eleven years later, the first three stages will begin in Bulgaria. This shows the complex, interesting, and dynamic journey we have made in such a short time,” Zhelyazkov said.
According to Zhelyazkov, the Giro presents an exceptional opportunity highlight Bulgaria’s rich history, unique landscapes, and renowned hospitality. “We are delighted that, together with the organizers and my colleagues, the Ministers of Youth and Sports and of Tourism, we were able, in a short period, to complete the necessary preparation and organization for what promises to be a truly remarkable race,” he emphasized.
“This is not just a sporting event confined to achievements, it is a symbol of trust and friendship between Bulgaria and Italy, and I am confident that we will share this joy together,” the Prime Minister said.
Earlier on Monday, Zhelyazkov described hosting the start of the Giro d’Italia as a major opportunity to boost Bulgaria’s international visibility and place the country firmly on the global tourism map, while Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh and Youth and Sports Minister Ivan Peshev have underlined the government’s full commitment to the organization. The race is one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events, with a history of over a century, a roadside audience of more than 2 million people, television coverage in around 200 countries and an overall economic impact estimated at over EUR 2 billion from tourism, organization and longer-term investment effects.
The Bulgarian Government and Giro d’Italia organizer RCS Sport, assisted by GO Group Consultancy as transaction adviser, have signed an agreement making Bulgaria host of the opening stages of the 2026 edition. Under the deal, the Grande Partenza and the first three stages will cover more than 600 km from Nessebar to Sofia, involve dozens of municipalities and comply with all international technical and safety standards for elite cycling events.
/MR, KK/
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