BEHIND THE RACE
From the Grande Partenza in Durrës, Albania, to the thrilling stages that crossed through the heart of southern and central Italy.
The first week of the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia has been a journey filled with effort, emotion, and wonder.
But beyond the race, there’s another story: one told through the eyes of the fans, the energy of the crowds, the dedication of mechanics and technicians, and the raw emotions of the riders.
This is Behind the Race.
Between excitement and anticipation, the crowd gets ready for the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia by picking up official race merchandise.
This year, for the first time in its century-long history, the Giro started from Durrës, Albania.
A symbolic choice celebrating the cultural ties between the two shores of the Adriatic.
Durrës, an ancient Roman colony known as Dyrrachium, is now a vibrant port city that welcomed the Giro with warmth and participation.
Albania thus becomes the 15th country to host the start of the Giro, in an edition that combines tradition, discovery, and international spirit. (Photo: Pocispix)
Focused and precise. Felipe, mechanic of Team Picnic PostNL, finalizes the last details before the start of the Giro d’Italia. (Photo: Pocispix)
Along 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 structures, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, accompany the preparation of Team Picnic PostNL before the departure to Lecce. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
The intense pink of the Giro d’Italia blends with the brilliant blue of the Alberobello sky, creating a perfect picture of passion and beauty.
A magical moment that anticipates the adrenaline of the fourth stage.
But where does the pink of the Giro d'Italia symbol come from? In 1931, an insight destined to make history: it was journalist Armando Cougnet who introduced the Pink Jersey to distinguish the race leader.
The color? A tribute to the pink paper of the Gazzetta dello Sport, which has since infused the most iconic symbol of the Giro d’Italia with passion. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
In his first experience at the Giro, Casper van Uden (Team Picnic PostNL) secures his most significant victory, surprising everyone at the finish line in Lecce.
At 23 years old, with courage, ambition, and the strong support of his team.
Accompanied by our Ursus Proxima 60 Team Edition he makes his mark in the first Italian stage of the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia. (Photo: Cauldphoto)
Stages completed:
1: Durres - Tirana
2: Tirana - Tirana
3: Vlore - Vlore
4: Alberobello - Lecce
5: Ceglie Messapica - Matera
6: Potenza - Naples
7: Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
8: Giulianova - Castelraimondo
9: Gubbio - Siena
The riders of Team Picnic PostNL make their way through the streets lined with trulli in Alberobello, offering a picturesque scene as they pass by a “Ciao”, the timeless Italian moped that made history on two wheels. A moment where past and present come together in the heart of one of Italy’s most iconic villages. (Photo: Pocispix)
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