Anticipation is building for the 2026 edition of Il Giro d’Abruzzo Carta Giovani Nazionale, which will take place from 15 to 18 September, starting in Cupello and finishing in Controguerra after 639 kilometres. Organised for the third consecutive year by RCS Sport in collaboration with the Abruzzo Region, the race will feature 8,200 metres of elevation gain and visit all four provinces of the region.
The start list was officially announced today, featuring several high-profile names. Leading the line-up is Kevin Vauquelin, fourth at Paris-Nice and 10th at the Itzulia Basque Country, who has chosen the roads of Abruzzo for his return to racing after the Tour de France. The Frenchman will be one of the leading contenders for the title left vacant by Kevin Zimmermann, with Diego Ulissi – one of Italy’s riders selected for the World Championships in Montréal – and Mathys Rondel, fourth in 2025 and narrowly outside the top 10 at this year’s Giro d’Italia, among his main challengers.
Also worth keeping an eye on for the overall classification are Italians Alessandro Fancellu, Ludovico Crescioli, Nicola Conci and Filippo Turconi, as well as evergreen Domenico Pozzovivo. Lennart Jasch, Wouter Poels and Santiago Umba will be among the outsiders.
There is also a strong line-up of stage hunters, starting with the fast-finishing Dorian Godon, who has claimed four victories this season, all at WorldTour level, and experienced sprinter Fernando Gaviria, who is still looking for his first win of 2026. Tommaso Dati, Luca Colnaghi, Nicolò Arrighetti, Riccardo Lorello and Kasper Andersen should not be overlooked either.
Click here to view the full list of participants.
A very demanding opening stage featuring a first section focused on the slopes of the Majella before finishing atop a true wall climb. The route heads along the Adriatic coast and through the Sangro Valley before tackling a succession of rolling roads via Bomba and Santa Maria, followed by the climbs to Montelapiano and, after Casalanguida, Colle dei Ferrari. A long descent leads to State Road 81 before a gentle rise to Guardiagrele and a fast descent to the foot of the final climb. The opening part is raced on medium-width roads with numerous bends and small villages, while the finale takes place on wider, straighter roads.
Final kilometres
The final kilometres are uphill, with gradients exceeding 10% before the last corner and a slightly rising finishing straight.
A mountain stage featuring several climbs, the toughest of which, Forcella di Acciano, comes shortly after the start. A long descent brings the riders back near Popoli Terme before climbing through Castiglione a Casauria, Pescosansonesco and Nocciano on constantly undulating roads. The final 20 kilometres are predominantly uphill, culminating at the summit of Scagnano (KOM) before a series of gentle rises and descents to the finish.
Final kilometres
The final kilometres are uphill. With 500 metres to go, riders negotiate a U-turn around a roundabout before the final ascent to the finish line.
A largely flat stage with a short climb early on before entering the Fucino Plain. The route passes through Magliano de’ Marsi, Celano and Gioia dei Marsi before reaching San Benedetto dei Marsi, where riders complete a 27.7-kilometre circuit featuring gentle undulations. Roads are generally wide, although urban sections include the usual traffic-calming features.
Final kilometres
The closing kilometres are flat, with long, wide straights leading into San Benedetto dei Marsi, where the riders negotiate town streets interrupted by several right-angle turns before a slightly uphill finish.
The decisive “Walls Stage”, featuring a succession of increasingly steep and shorter climbs. The route heads inland through rolling terrain towards the San Gabriele Sanctuary at Isola del Gran Sasso before turning north to tackle the climbs of Torricella Sicura and Campli. The finale is raced on a 29.9-kilometre circuit, including the consecutive climbs of Colonnella and Controguerra, both located close to the finish.
Final kilometres
The final kilometres feature the steep Colonnella wall, with double-digit gradients, followed by the final climb averaging around 5% to the finish line. The approach is on twisting, undulating roads before the finishing straight.
All four stages of the Giro d’Abruzzo 2026 will be broadcast with two hours of live television coverage each day, while Radio Delta 1 will accompany the race as the official radio partner of the event.
Discover where to watch the Giro d’Abruzzo on TV, click here.
Title Sponsor Carta Giovani Nazionale, Maglia Leader & Maglia Bianca Regione Abruzzo, Institutional Sponsor & Maglia Azzurra Enit, Maglia Ciclamino Opportunitaly, Stage Winner & Official Bike Rose Bike, Official Tyre Continental, Official Timekeeper Tudor, Mobility Partner Citroen, Official Partner Slim Bones, Official Sponsor Livigno, Technical Partner Veloplus, Official Sponsor Valsir, Official Moto Suzuki, Official Wine Vini Fantini, Official Partner Shimano, Partner Istituzionale Lega Ciclismo Professionistico, Official Partner Regina, Official Water Lauretana, Licenziatario Ufficiale All4cycling, Official Radio Delta 1
