From the Grand Departure in Durazzo, Albania, to the exciting stages that crossed the heart of southern and central Italy.
The first week of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia was a journey of fatigue, emotion, and wonder.
But beyond the race there is another story, told in the eyes of the fans, in the energy of the crowd, in the dedication of mechanics and technicians, and in the authentic emotions of the cyclists.
This is Behind the Race .
Amidst excitement and anticipation, the public prepares for the Giro d'Italia's Grand Departure by choosing their Giro d'Italia merchandise.
This year, for the first time in its more than century-long history, the Giro d'Italia started in Durrës, Albania. A symbolic choice that celebrates the cultural bond between the two shores of the Adriatic.
Durazzo, an ancient Roman colony known as Dyrrachium, is today a lively port city that welcomed the Giro with warmth and participation.
Albania thus becomes the 15th country to host the start of the Corsa Rosa, in an edition that combines tradition, discovery, and an international spirit. (Photo: Pocispix)
Among the streets of Alberobello, the trulli silently observe the start of the fourth stage.
With their conical shapes and mysterious symbols painted on the roofs, these unique buildings, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, accompany the PostNL Picnic Team as they prepare for their departure for Lecce. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
The intense pink of the Giro d'Italia blends with the brilliant blue of the Alberobello sky, creating a perfect scene of passion and beauty. A magical moment that previews the adrenaline rush of the fourth stage.
But where does the pink of the Giro d'Italia symbol come from?
In 1931, an idea destined to go down in history: journalist Armando Cougnet introduced the Maglia Rosa to distinguish the race leader. The color? A tribute to the pink paper of the Gazzetta dello Sport , which has since then colored the most iconic symbol of the Giro d'Italia with passion. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
In his first Giro d'Italia, Casper van Uden (Team Picnic PostNL) achieved his most important victory, surprising everyone at the finish line in Lecce.
At 23, with courage, ambition, and the great support of his team.
Accompanied by our Ursus Proxima 60 Team Edition bikes , he takes center stage in the first Italian stage of the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
List of completed stages:
1: Durres - Tirana
2: Tirana - Tirana
3: Vlora - Vlora
4: Alberobello - Lecce
5: Ceglie Messapica - Matera
6: Potenza - Naples
7: Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
8: Giulianova - Castelraimondo
9: Gubbio - Siena
The cyclists of Team Picnic PostNL ride through the streets of Alberobello's trulli, offering a picturesque ride in front of a "Ciao ," the timeless Italian moped that has shaped the history of two-wheeled mobility. A moment where past and present meet in the heart of one of Italy's most iconic villages. (Photo: Pocispix)
