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The 2026 Giro d'Italia kicks off in Bulgaria but adds a daunting 1,000km transfer for teams before they hit the Italian roads.
This massive logistical hurdle significantly impacts the race dynamics and team preparations.
Stage 3 concludes in Sofia on Sunday, while Stage 4 begins in Catanzaro at 1:40 PM CEST on Tuesday, leaving a tight 40-hour window for teams to make the journey. Riders and key staff will fly from Sofia to Lamezia Terme, but Monday is officially considered a travel day, not a rest day. Riders will still seek training rides and massages, necessitating that all equipment and personnel are ready upon arrival in Italy.
The logistical demands are intense, with teams doubling up on vehicles and cutting back on usual recovery amenities. Race organizers, RCS Sport, have also expanded their infrastructure in Catanzaro to accommodate the influx from Bulgaria. The Bulgarian government invested €12.5 million to host this Grande Partenza, far exceeding typical payments from Italian cities. While RCS Sport anticipates revenue of €80 million annually, teams are concerned about increased expenses, feeling the pinch of a "pay to race" scenario just a year after the Albanian start.
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