The 2026 edition of Il Giro d’Abruzzo was officially presented today at the Abruzzo Regional Headquarters in L’Aquila. The race will take place from 15 to 18 September, starting in Cupello and finishing 640 kilometres later in Controguerra. Organised by RCS Sport in partnership with the Abruzzo Region, the race will feature a total elevation gain of 8,200 metres and will pass through all four provinces of the region.
The presentation was attended by Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region; Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events; Stefano Allocchio, RCS Sport Cycling Manager; Maurizio Formichetti, representative of the Abruzzo Region; together with representatives from the host towns, members of the media and local institutions.
Discover the route of Il Giro d’Abruzzo 2026!
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Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region: “Today we proudly unveiled the 2026 Giro d’Abruzzo, an event that is the result of the strong teamwork between the Abruzzo Region and RCS Sport. Abruzzo continues to establish itself as a true land of cycling, offering spectacular roads and a highly demanding sporting challenge, with 640 kilometres and 8,200 metres of elevation gain across all four provinces. This event is much more than a cycling race: it is an opportunity to promote our region, showcase our excellence and introduce the beauty of Abruzzo to the world. I would like to thank all our partners, the organisers and the local communities who will make this great sporting celebration possible. The Giro d’Abruzzo will be an unforgettable journey, from the Adriatic coast to the hills and through our most charming villages”.
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events: “The relationship between RCS Sport and the Abruzzo Region is a long-standing one that has grown stronger year after year through some of the biggest events on our calendar. Abruzzo has hosted numerous stages of the Giro d’Italia, highlighted by the 2023 Grande Partenza, as well as stages of the Giro d’Italia Women and the Giro Next Gen. Il Giro d’Abruzzo is another important chapter in this shared journey, an event that allows us to showcase a region of extraordinary beauty through the universal language of sport. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Abruzzo Region and to contribute, through cycling, to promoting a territory that has consistently demonstrated its ability to host world-class sporting events”.
Stefano Allocchio, RCS Sport Cycling Director: “In recent years, Abruzzo has become one of the key regions on the international cycling calendar. In 2026 alone, the region celebrated the victories of Mathieu van der Poel at Tirreno-Adriatico, Jonas Vingegaard at the Giro d’Italia and Lorenzo Mark Finn at the Giro Next Gen. This year’s route fully reflects the character of the region: a varied, technical and demanding race designed for complete riders. There will be constant ups and downs, a stage suited to the sprinters and a final stage packed with steep climbs that could prove decisive for the overall classification. Once again, Abruzzo will take centre stage”.
