The 2025 Giro d’Italia will pay tribute to the late Pope Francis with its final stage beginning in Vatican City, organisers have confirmed.
Urbano Cairo, president of RCS MediaGroup — the organisers of the prestigious cycling race — announced during the presentation of the 2025 edition of the Corsa Rosa. The final stage, the 21st of the race, will take place on Sunday, 1 June and finish in Rome, marking the third consecutive year that the Italian capital hosts the Giro’s closing day.
“This will be a very emotional moment for all of us,” Cairo said. “The final stage of this year’s Giro will start from Vatican City — a deeply meaningful gesture, especially following the recent passing of Pope Francis, which has touched us all profoundly.”
Cairo described the decision as a heartfelt homage to a Pope who had always championed sport as a tool for inclusion, unity, and human connection. “He was a great lover of sport and promoted its values throughout his life. This final stage is entirely dedicated to him,” he added.
The 2025 finale will be an individual time trial, offering a dramatic and potentially decisive conclusion to the race. Riders will depart from the heart of Vatican City before making their way through the streets of Rome, with the Eternal City providing a majestic backdrop for the end of one of cycling’s Grand Tours.
Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this year, was widely admired not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his embrace of modern social issues, his inclusive messaging, and his support of sport as a universal language.
The Vatican start represents a unique and historic moment for the Giro, underlining the deep relationship between Italian cultural life, faith, and sport.
Cairo also praised the competitive quality of this year’s race, which is expected to feature several young emerging talents alongside experienced names. “This year’s Giro has a route that will deliver plenty of excitement. It’s anything but predictable,” he noted.
