Professional cyclists compete Sunday in Stage 3 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, traveling from Plovdiv to Sofia, Bulgaria.
This stage represents the final opportunity for riders to gain critical time on foreign soil before the race returns to Italy. The route is designed to test both climbing endurance and descending skill, creating a high-stakes environment for general classification contenders.
The course begins in the city of Plovdiv and heads toward the capital city of Sofia. A primary feature of the day is the climb to the Borovets ski resort, which serves as the stage's mountain peak. Following the ascent, riders must navigate a technical descent to reach the finish line in Sofia.
Reports on the exact length of the stage vary slightly. One source lists the distance at 174 km [1], while another reports it as 175 km [2]. This distance marks the end of the race's Bulgarian chapter, a strategic departure from the traditional Italian-only route.
Because the stage concludes in the capital, it serves as a farewell to the host nation. The transition from the high altitude of Borovets to the urban finish in Sofia requires a shift in tactics, as the descent can often decide the winner of the day.
“The route is designed to test both climbing endurance and descending skill.”
The inclusion of international stages like this Bulgarian leg allows the Giro d'Italia to expand its global brand and challenge riders with diverse terrain. By placing a mountain ascent and a technical descent in the final foreign stage, organizers ensure that the race's early leaderboard is shaped by versatility rather than just flat-land sprinting.
