site.btaPrime Minister Zhelyazkov: Hosting Start of Giro d’Italia 2026 Will Give Bulgaria Global Visibility

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov met in Rome with RCS Media Group President Urbano Cairo and RCS Sport CEO Paolo Bellino to discuss preparations for the Bulgarian start of Giro d’Italia 2026, the government information service said on Monday.

“Hosting the Giro d’Italia 2026 in Bulgaria will provide global visibility for our country to millions of viewers worldwide. Hosting the start of the race and the first three stages in Bulgaria will position the country for an entire week on the global sports and tourism stage,” he said.

The Prime Minister was also welcomed by Italian Minister of Sports Andrea Abodi.

“The race will be a showcase for the beauty and achievements of our country as host of the opening ceremony and the first three stages of the new edition in 2026,” the Prime Minister added.

During the discussion, organizational issues were addressed, including logistics, infrastructure, media coverage, and coordination between Bulgarian institutions and the race organizer. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov confirmed the government’s full commitment to the successful preparation and execution of the event in 2026.

“The Giro d’Italia 2026 will inspire young people around the world to engage actively in sports and will promote cycling as a lifestyle,” Minister of Youth and Sports Ivan Peshev said.

“Hosting the first stages of the Giro d’Italia will put Bulgaria on the map of global tourism and showcase Bulgarian nature and history to millions of new visitors from around the world,” said Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh.

The Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious and widely watched cycling races in the world, with a history of over 100 years. The race is broadcast by television channels in around 200 countries, providing significant international visibility for Bulgaria and substantial economic benefits for the country.