site.btaBulgaria and RCS Sport Agree on Hosting 2026 Giro d’Italia Start

The Bulgarian Government and RCS Sport, with GO Group Consultancy (GGC) as transaction advisers, have reached an agreement designating Bulgaria as host of the opening stages of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, the organizers announced in Rome on Monday. 

The world-famous cycling race will make history with its first-ever start in Bulgaria. Under the agreement, the opening three stages of the 2026 Giro d’Italia will span more than 600 km from Nessebar to Sofia, meeting all international technical and safety standards for elite cycling events. Dozens of municipalities will be involved, each handling local operational and promotional activities to maximize visibility and community impact.

RCS Sport CEO Paolo Bellino noted that bringing the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia to Bulgaria demonstrates the organization’s commitment to broadening the race’s international presence and sharing its heritage with new audiences.

RCS Sport was supported by GGC throughout the negotiations with the Bulgarian Government, working closely with the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Tourism. RCS Sport led the talks, with GGC providing advisory support across all aspects of the negotiation framework.

GGC Managing Partner Nikodemo Petschek emphasized that the project was guided from the beginning by a coherent strategic framework aligning international sports standards with Bulgaria’s long-term national priorities. He added that the joint commitment of all partners had been key to achieving an effective and constructive result.

According to an extensive economic analysis by Banca Ifis, the Giro d’Italia is among the most influential sporting economic engines in Europe. The study estimates that the race generates over EUR 2 billion in total economic benefits, including EUR 620 million in immediate tourism- and organization-related revenue and an additional EUR 1.4 billion in long-term effects driven by repeat tourism and territorial investment. With more than 2.1 million on-site spectators and a global audience following all 21 stages, the race acts as a catalyst for regional attractiveness, boosting interest in local culture, landscapes and experiences and supporting supply chains across ten industries, from hospitality to retail, transport and wellness.

From a sporting perspective, Bulgaria offers diverse terrain – mountains, coastline and a dynamic urban environment – suitable for world-class competition.

Institutionally, Italy and Bulgaria enjoy long-standing bilateral relations, with Italy consistently ranking among Bulgaria’s key sources of foreign direct investment. Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the eurozone in January 2026 further strengthens its position as an increasingly attractive European destination for tourism, investment and international events.

Symbolically, hosting the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria reflects the Giro d’Italia’s commitment to celebrating Europe’s cultural and geographic diversity while expanding the international dimension of the race.

"This event significantly enhances Bulgaria’s international visibility and strengthens its position on the global tourism map," said Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.

"This project reflects our core methodology: combining analytical rigour, institutional coordination and cross-border execution. It showcases Bulgaria’s growing capability to host major international events and leverage them for long-term development," said Krestian Kolev, Managing Partner and Director of Institutional Relations at GGC.

GGC Managing Partner Vito Petschek noted that the initiative is seen not merely as a standalone project but as a model for future public-private partnerships in areas such as sport, infrastructure and tourism.