Cyclists race against one another at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, on July 14, 2019. The 2026 Giro d’Italia kicks off its “Grande Partenza” in Bulgaria on May 8, 2026, with three stages there before transferring to Italy, where the route includes a stage arriving in Naples on May 14 and another in Aviano before heading north. (Christopher A. Madero/U.S. Marine Corps)
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Americans stationed in Naples and Aviano will get a chance to see some of the world’s top cyclists this month as the Giro d’Italia passes through their military communities.
The race, commonly recognized as one of the three most prestigious in the world alongside the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, starts Friday in Bulgaria.
The sixth stage of the event finishes in Naples on May 14. It’s an 85-mile stretch that includes one major climb.
The race passes on the outskirts of Aviano during the second-to-last stage on May 30. Stage 20 starts at Gemona del Friuli and ends at the mountain hamlet of Piancavallo. The 120-mile stretch features multiple challenging climbs.
Traffic along what Americans commonly refer to as the Mountain Highway will be restricted that day. Officials generally close the road roughly two hours prior to the race and open it about an hour after riders pass.
Those wishing to be at the finish line in Piancavallo either must obtain one of the 780 passes for vehicles being issued Friday on the Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional website or take a shuttle bus from one of four designated parking areas.
Shuttle service begins at 6 a.m. and ends about four hours later. It’s also possible to watch the racers pass by at numerous locations along the route.
The most notable rider in this year’s race is Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, who will be seeking victory in the only one of the three major races he has yet to win. His biggest rival, Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, isn’t participating this year.
Four Americans are among the competitors listed on the race’s official website.
Sepp Kuss, ranked No. 4 among Americans by ProCyclingStats, is No. 98 in the points list this year. He rides for Team Visma/Lease a Bike alongside Vingegaard.
Magnus Sheffield, the fifth-ranked American, is a member of the Netcompany/Ineos team. Both Larry Warbasse, who is 10th among Americans, and William Barta ride for Tudor Pro.
Andrew Hampsten, the 1988 champion, is the only American ever to win the race.
