site.btaCountdown Clock in Sofia Marks Time to Start of Giro d’Italia in Bulgaria

A countdown clock marking the time to the start of the Giro d'Italia was mounted in central Sofia on Wednesday, ahead of the race’s opening stages in Bulgaria from May 8 to 10.

The installation, located on the square in front of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, was unveiled by Sport and Youth Minister Dimitar Iliev. It shows just over 21 days remaining until the start. The pink-colored structure, reflecting the race’s signature color, features timers and the route of the Bulgarian stages, as well as the names of past winners and host countries.

The world’s top cyclists are set to pass through several Bulgarian cities, including Nessebar, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv and Sofia. 

Caretaker Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev said the event would be a major moment for the country. “Bulgaria will host a huge sporting event with more than a century of history. I sincerely believe it will inspire people here as well and create unforgettable memories for both competitors and spectators,” he told reporters.

Preparations for the race are in their final stages, with teams working at full capacity and only some finishing touches along the route still underway, the Minister said. Most of the key organizational tasks have already been completed, and cooperation with the Italian organizers is progressing smoothly, with positive feedback on Bulgaria’s readiness.

Authorities are also planning an information campaign to alert citizens about temporary road closures, aiming to help people plan their travel and minimize disruption. While some inconvenience is expected, officials believe the public will adapt.

The event is seen as a major sporting occasion for Bulgaria, comparable in scale to top-tier motorsport events like Formula 1 or MotoGP, and is expected to attract significant public interest as one of the world’s leading cycling races. Citizens are encouraged to attend and experience the race, which is also expected to bring tourism benefits.

Safety remains a top priority, with hopes that the race will pass without incidents. Drivers are being urged to be more considerate toward cyclists, including keeping a safe distance when overtaking, said the Minister.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by officials, including Italian Ambassador Marcello Apicella, Sofia Municipal Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov, Sofia Deputy Mayors Desislava Zhelyazkova and Irina Dakova, Veliko Tarnovo Deputy Mayor Georgi Nedev and representatives of the organizers, RCS Sports.