Catch the Giro d’Italia live on Eurosport 1, with highlights and replays on Eurosport 2. You can also stream every mile of the race live and on-demand via HBO Max.

The Giro d’Italia to Make Historic Start in Bulgaria

Long-term agreement with RCS Sport extends Warner Bros. Discovery’s exclusive broadcast rights for the Giro d’Italia to over 30 years.

This May, Bulgarian cycling fans will be able to follow one of the most prestigious events in world sports—the Giro d’Italia—across Eurosport channels and the HBO Max streaming platform. The race will commence on May 8th with a historic "Grande Partenza" in Bulgaria, placing the country in the global spotlight for millions of viewers worldwide.

Eurosport and HBO Max, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio, will provide comprehensive television and digital coverage of the race. Stages will be broadcast on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, while viewers can watch every minute of the competition live and on-demand on HBO Max.

Guy Voisin, Vice President of WBD Sports Europe, in charge of cycling, stated for the Bulgarian media:

"The Giro d’Italia is one of the most inspiring races in world sports, with a heritage spanning over a century that has produced countless unforgettable champions and moments for different generations. From the first ascent of the Stelvio Pass in Italy by Fausto Coppi to Mathieu van der Poel’s recent debut stage victory in Hungary, this race has a history that extends far beyond Italy’s borders. Seeing this history begin a new chapter in Bulgaria this year is something special. Eurosport has been broadcasting cycling in this country for many years, helping to build a knowledgeable and passionate audience. It is only logical that this long-standing commitment reflects in the Giro starting here for the first time, shining a spotlight on your routes and natural beauty. We cannot wait for the race to begin and look forward to offering Bulgarian fans every stage on HBO Max and Eurosport."

In 2026, for the first time in its history, the Giro d’Italia will start from Bulgaria. The first three stages will pass through key cities and regions: Nesebar – Burgas (May 8), Burgas – Veliko Tarnovo (May 9), and Plovdiv – Sofia (May 10). Following the Bulgarian start, the race will continue in Italy, with the final stage traditionally held in Rome on May 31.

Viewers will benefit from expert analysis by leading international commentators and former champions on Eurosport, including Alberto Contador, Robbie McEwen, and Jens Voigt.

The Bulgarian coverage will also feature a local commentary team:

Zhitomir Penakov: Covering cycling since 2009, known for his detailed information on locations and stages.

Danail Petrov: Six-time national champion, top 60 finisher at the London Olympics, runner-up in the Presidential Tour of Turkey, and 2012 Vuelta a España participant.

Lyuboslav Venkov: Former cyclist, judge, racing bike manufacturer, and the country's prominent race organizer, who will join the coverage once the Giro moves to Italy.

Simeon Kichukov: Part of the local commentary team since 2018 and the Bulgarian journalist with the most Grand Tour onsite appearances, who will interview top riders and create content for the Eurosport Bulgaria Facebook page.

Television coverage will include 107 hours of live broadcasting on Eurosport 1 and HBO Max. The Bulgarian stages will be broadcast from start to finish, featuring nearly 15 hours of live coverage on Eurosport 1, along with numerous replays. Each of the three stages will be followed by a 30-minute studio show. The opening stage on May 8 is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM local time, with the following two stages beginning at 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM, respectively.

The broadcast of the Giro d’Italia is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive cycling portfolio. Warner Bros. Discovery has renewed its long-term exclusive broadcast rights for the Giro d’Italia and RCS Sport’s leading Italian cycling races. This ensures the race remains accessible to millions across Europe and the U.S. via HBO Max and Eurosport. The agreement extends the partnership to over 30 years (following the first broadcast in 1998) and solidifies the company’s position as the "Home of Cycling," delivering more than 1,000 live race broadcasts annually from the world’s top events.

For the 2026 edition of the Giro d’Italia, Eurosport has produced a feature film titled 'The Weight of Pink,' which captures the profound symbolism of the Maglia Rosa. The film portrays the jersey as seemingly light in fabric, yet carrying immense pressure and responsibility. Its core message emphasizes that the true weight lies in the expectations, the storied history, and the relentless battle to remain the leader in the world’s most prestigious cycling race.