Giro d’Italia to pay tribute to Pope Francis with stage start in Vatican City

The Italian grand tour begins in Albania on 9 May

Tadej Pogacar won the pink jersey at last year’s Giro d’Italia but will not defend his title (AP)

The final stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia will be dedicated to the late Pope Francis with organisers planning a special start in the Vatican City.

The Giro has only twice previously passed through the papal enclave despite regular visits to Rome which is in line to host the finish of the three-week race for a third consecutive year.

However the peloton will roll out from the Vatican on 1 June, with riders leaving via Porta del Perugino to commence the stage proper after paying tribute to the late pontiff.

The 88-year-old Pope Francis died on the morning of Easter Monday, with his funeral held last Saturday. A conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church will begin on 7 May.

“Rome will once again offer a spectacular finale for the Giro d’Italia, crossing iconic landmarks known worldwide,” Mauro Vegni, race director of the Giro d’Italia, said. “The start from Vatican City, strongly desired by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year, adds a special emotional value to this stage, merging sport with spirituality.

“The city circuit, featuring historic and evocative sites like Circus Maximus, Ostia, and the Imperial Forums, will provide riders and spectators with a stunning setting to celebrate the end of the Corsa Rosa. It will be a memorable day, paying tribute to Rome and the message of hope shared by Pope Francis”.

The Giro d'Italia visited the Vatican City in 1974 (Getty Images)

The Giro’s previous two visits to the microstate were in 1974, when it hosted the start of the opening stage, and 2000, when the prologue finished in St Peter’s Square.

The 2025 edition begins with a 160km route from Durres to Tirana, the first of a trio of stages in Albania. Tadej Pogacar, winner of the pink jersey last year, will not defend his title, with Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso among the top contenders for general classification success.