Sofia prepares for Giro D’Italia 2026 start

Interviewed on Bulgarian National Television on Tuesday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said that several hundred people will have the opportunity to get to know Bulgaria and Sofia thanks to Giro d'Italia 2026.

”Tourism has always increased wherever the Giro has been held,” he added.

He noted that the municipality is taking all necessary steps to improve the infrastructure and ensure the route meets the required standards, CE Report quotes BTA.

The programme begins on May 8 with the opening of the cycling village near St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. “There is a rich programme, so we hope Sofia residents will take part,” the Mayor said.

Terziev also urged citizens to follow the Waze and Google Maps apps, where up-to-date information will be available on all streets that will be closed during the passage of the Sofia stage.

“I hope the weather will be on our side and that we choose to leave our cars for the day,” he added.

“Cycling lanes are a very important topic for us,“ the Mayor said. “We have often talked about the need to develop public transport and alternative mobility, including cycling. One of the major changes we made as part of the municipal restructuring was finally having someone dedicated solely to cycling infrastructure,” Terziev said.

Bulgaria is hosting the Grande Partenza of the 109th Giro d’Italia between May 8 and 10. The route passes through cultural centres and natural landmarks, divided into three stages. The final stage of the race passes through Plovdiv and Sofia. The 175-kilometre route runs through or near Plovdiv, Stamboliyski, Malo Konare, Pazardzhik, Zvanichevo, Septemvri, Belovo, Momina Klisura, Kostenets, Dolna Banya, Raduil, Borovets, Samokov, the Iskar Reservoir, Dolni Pasarel, Pancharevo, and Sofia.

Photo: Wikipedia