The Giro d'Italia honors the late Pope Francis with a commemorative race stage.
Hittin' the holy road: The 21st stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025 is set to roll through hallowed grounds as it traverses the Vatican City – a historic first for the cycling classic! Mark your calendars for June 1st, the day the peloton takes on this sacred journey, leading straight through the gardens of the Vatican.
Givin' props to Pope Francis
This iconic race, kicking off May 9th and lasting until June 1st, honors the memory of the late Pope Francis. The beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church passed away on Easter Monday, leaving an indelible impact on millions. Umberto Cairo, chairman of the organizing company RCS, spoke about the emotional signficance of the event, stating, "This will be a particularly poignant moment following the loss of Pope Francis, a figure who deeply touched us all."
A nod to the past, a glance at the future
By routing the race through the Vatican, the Giro d'Italia pays tribute to Pope Francis' aspiration for a closer bond between sports and faith. It serves as a symbolic gesture, underlining the intersection of athletic competition and cultural heritage – making this stage a memorable part of the race.
Keep your eyes peeled for the actual start of the final stage, which will take shape at the Baths of Caracalla. The race will culminate at the Circus Maximus after completing nine laps of a city-center circuit, making a third consecutive appearance in Rome with style!
[Sources]1. "Giro d'Italia 2025 final Vatican stage." Cycling News, 2025. [Online]. Available: [https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/giro-ditalia-2025-final-vatican-stage/]2. "Giro d'Italia to pass through the Vatican City." CNN, 2025. [Online]. Available: [https://www.cnn.com/sport/cycling/giro-ditalia-vatican-stage/index.html]3. "Giro d'Italia 2025 passes through the Vatican." Vatican News, 2025. [Online]. Available: [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/sport/news/2025-03/giro-ditalia-2025-passes-through-vatican.html]4. "Giro d'Italia 2025: Final Stage Sets History as Race Transverses the Vatican." Forbes, 2025. [Online]. Available: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykogan/2025/03/15/giro-ditalia-2025-final-stage-to-transverse-vatican- city/?sh=1aa8bbf43f8f]
- The final stage of the Giro d'Italia 2025, ending on June 1st, signifies a significant tribute to the late Pope Francis, who had a deep aspiration for a closer bond between sports and faith.
- On the day of this historic stage, the peloton will traverse through the gardens of the Vatican, symbolizing the intersection of athletic competition and cultural heritage.
- The race will commence at the Baths of Caracalla, with the final laps taking place at the Circus Maximus, making a grand conclusion to the tour in the heart of the city.
