Viva il Giro! Celebrating Italian Culture through the Giro d’Italia

As part of our ongoing celebration of Italian language and culture at Vlog, we are excited to introduce our students and school community to one of Italy’s most iconic events: Il Giro d’Italia.

Often called La Corsa Rosa (the pink race) for the colour of the leader’s jersey, the Giro is one of cycling’s most prestigious races — alongside the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.
This year’s edition will commence on Friday, 9 May 2025, in Durrës, Albania, marking the first time the race starts outside Italy in Albania. Over three weeks, cyclists from around the world will traverse the diverse landscapes of Italy, from the snow-capped Alpi to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mezzogiorno (southern Italy).

The final stage, scheduled for Sunday, 1 June 2025, will take place in Rome, and in a profoundly symbolic gesture, it will be dedicated to Pope Francis. The stage will include a neutralised ceremonial start within Vatican City, where riders will pass through the Vatican Gardens and exit via Porta del Perugino, before the competitive racing begins.

“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.”
— Mauro Vegni, Director of the Giro d’Italia

Una tappa speciale per un uomo speciale&Բ;—&Բ;A special stage for a special man.

The 2025 Giro promises breathtaking routes, dramatic climbs, and passionate fans lining the streets shouting “Forza!” (Come on!/Let’s go!). But il Giro is more than a race — it’s a moving celebration of Italian resilience, beauty, and community spirit. It passes through ancient towns, vibrant cities, and cultural landmarks, each stage revealing a new side of la bella Italia.

To discover more about this year’s race, explore these official resources:

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As we follow the race this year, we’ll be exploring Italian vocabulary related to sport, geography, and culture in class — giving our students a chance to connect language learning with real-world events.

Stay tuned — il bello dell’Italia is just getting started!
Andiamo! (Let’s go!)

Alexandra Carcione