The 2026 Giro d’Italia’s proposed start in Bulgaria is facing a number of serious problems, with the Grande Partenza thrown into some doubt due to the collapse of the Bulgarian government, while competing teams are currently in a major dispute with the race organisers over participation fees.

For the second time in as many years, the Giro is set to begin in the Balkans. After three days in Albania in 2025, the 2026 season’s first Grand Tour is going even further east. 

According to the Giro’s promotional leaflets and press releases, the 2026 start in Bulgaria will “cross borders, explore new horizons and build lasting connections.” The 23 teams participating have taken a notably different view.

Stage one, on May 8, will begin on the Black Sea shoreline in Nessebar. As the crow flies, that’s some 850km from mainland Italy’s easternmost point. Only the start in Israel in 2018 was further away from the race’s homeland.

This article was published on Escape Collective in December 2025. To read the full article click here.