by EH
This spring, the Giro d’Italia will once again bring its sweeping spectacle to the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, with two pivotal stages traversing both Italian and Slovenian landscapes. The historic race, one of cycling’s most revered events, will highlight the area’s cultural and historical significance, as well as its deep ties to the sport.
On May 24 and 25, the Giro’s peloton will weave through the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of northeastern Italy. The first of the two stages, “Treviso – Nova Gorica / Gorizia,” will see riders entering Friuli Venezia Giulia through the town of Cordovado, crossing 15 Italian municipalities and two Slovenian ones before concluding in Nova Gorica and Gorizia. The stage, with a final 13-kilometer circuit in the Collio / Brda region, is set to celebrate the area’s designation as a European Capital of Culture.
The following day, the race will continue from Fiume Veneto, skimming through Pordenone, Fontanafredda, and Sacile before veering westward into Veneto, where riders will make the arduous climb toward the final destination in Asiago.
The logistical coordination for hosting such a high-profile sporting event is no small feat. On Monday, regional officials, law enforcement agencies, and civil protection volunteers convened in Palmanova to fine-tune preparations. Among them was Riccardo Riccardi, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councillor for Civil Protection, who underscored the community’s commitment to ensuring the event runs smoothly.
“Once again, Friuli Venezia Giulia will be in the spotlight of the Giro d’Italia,” Riccardi said. “With the invaluable support of our Civil Protection teams and volunteers, we are ready to welcome this extraordinary event.”
This year’s Giro holds particular sentimental weight. Organizers plan to commemorate Enzo Cainero, a driving force behind the region’s connection to the race, as well as legendary sports commentator Bruno Pizzul, who passed away in recent days. The stage through Cormons, Pizzul’s hometown, will serve as a poignant tribute to his legacy in Italian sports broadcasting.
Looking ahead, the Giro is also being positioned as part of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s commemorative plans for 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of the devastating 1976 earthquake that reshaped the region. Officials see the race as an opportunity to honor both the memory of those lost and the resilience that defined the region’s rebuilding efforts.
As the countdown to May begins, anticipation builds not only for the fierce competition on the roads but also for the celebration of history, culture, and community resilience that this year’s Giro d’Italia promises to deliver.
