Burgas Municipality presented the city's preparations for hosting the first stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 to leading European media

Representatives of leading European media outlets today learned about the preparations of the Burgas Municipality for hosting the first stage (Grande Partenza) of the prestigious Giro d'Italia 2026 cycling race. The event will take place from May 6 to 9 and will put Burgas in the focus of global attention, strengthening its position as a leading tourist and sports destination.

The meeting at the Cultural Center "Sea Casino" was attended by representatives of authoritative international publications such as Corriere della Sera, Marca, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttobici and Eurosport. Details about the preparation of Burgas for the large-scale competition were provided by the Deputy Mayor for Sports and Tourism of Burgas Municipality Manol Todorov, the Chairman of the Municipal Council Mihail Hadzhiyanev and the Director of OP "Tourism" Radovesta Stewart. They shared key aspects of the organization, logistics and long-term benefits for the city and the region.

The presentation is part of the city's international advertising efforts, with an emphasis on the opportunities for developing sustainable tourism, sports infrastructure and attracting new tourists. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Europe and beyond, as well as significant international media coverage.

The hosts emphasized that Burgas is actively working on the visual identity and promotion of the event - part of the urban environment will be branded, including the two largest bus stops, and the emblematic flower exhibition "Flora Burgas" this year will also be under the sign of the Giro d'Italia. As a symbolic accent, the presence of the pink flamingo was also noted - a recognizable sign of the city and its connection with nature and the upcoming race.

During the meeting, the strategic location of Burgas on the Via Pontica migration route and the city's rich traditions in cycling were also emphasized. Burgas has given Bulgaria prominent competitors who have represented the country at the Olympic Games, World and European Championships. Special attention was paid to the legend Dimo ​​Angelov, who is Bulgaria's No. 1 cyclist for the past century and is among the most significant names in Bulgarian and European cycling and a holder of prestigious achievements on the international stage.

The representatives of the Municipality emphasized that in recent years Burgas has consistently invested in the modernization and expansion of its sports infrastructure – construction and renovation of sports halls, bike paths and playgrounds, as well as attracting international sports events. Examples included Burgas hosting a tournament in the Volleyball League of Nations last summer, as well as the fact that Burgas is traditionally part of one of the oldest sports competitions in the country – the Cycling Tour of Bulgaria.

The organization of the first stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 is part of the city's long-term strategy for developing sports tourism and extending the active tourist season through events with high added value.

In the week before, a number of cultural events will be held in the city, which will also be under the banner of the competition, and on May 6, Burgas will also host a grand event related to the presentation of the participating teams in the Summer Theater in the Sea Garden.

After the meeting, the guests had the opportunity to get to know the city up close through a tour of the Sea Garden and the main landmarks, as well as to meet personally with Dimo ​​Angelov, who shared his experience and inspiration for the development of sports.

Hosting the competition represents an exceptional opportunity for global advertising of Bulgaria and Burgas, and is expected to generate significant interest, tourist flow and sustainable economic benefits for the region.

Burgas Municipality continues its active preparation work, with the ambition to provide an event at the highest European level, thereby extending the tourist season and further strengthening the interest of children and young people in cycling and an active lifestyle.