{"id":572879,"date":"2026-05-08T11:49:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T11:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/572879\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T11:49:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T11:49:14","slug":"giro-ditalia-stage-1-live-the-giro-starts-today-with-a-fight-for-a-sprint-victory-and-the-first-maglia-rosa-in-bulgaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/572879\/","title":{"rendered":"Giro d’Italia stage 1 LIVE: The Giro starts today with a fight for a sprint victory and the first maglia rosa in Bulgaria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Refresh <\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:46:11.853Z<\/p>\n

The riders roll through rapeseed fields<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:45:24.980Z<\/p>\n

Look at the crowds!<\/p>\n

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\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:44:49.413Z<\/p>\n

Our photographers have already captured some great shots.<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

A general view of the peloton prior to the 109th Giro start in Nessebar, Bulgaria (Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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\"NESSEBAR,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:41:03.425Z<\/p>\n

This stage is a lot like Milan-San Remo. There is a slow build-up but then we are expecting a crescendo finish.<\/p>\n

The fight for position in the final hour or so will be tense and high-speed.<\/p>\n

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2026-05-08T11:36:36.979Z
\n125km to go<\/p>\n

There is a slight cross wind, blowing from the riders’ left side as they ride south. They seek protection on the wheel but it is not strong enough to spark echelons.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:33:36.592Z<\/p>\n

We can see some beautiful flamingoes feeding in the Black Sea. However Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) push on, trying to extend their gap over 2:00.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:28:42.402Z<\/p>\n

The stage profile shows the ride isa not totally flat but the road to Burgas just rolls softly as its follows the coastline.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:27:43.287Z
\n130km to go<\/p>\n

Movistar are tucked behind the sprint domestiques at the front of the peloton, with other riders happy to roll along in their slipstream.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:21:00.969Z<\/p>\n

Riders from Soudal, Uno-X and Unibet are on the front but doing ‘soft’ turns to keep the pace steady.<\/p>\n

Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta) have extended their lead to 2:20.<\/p>\n

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2026-05-08T11:17:56.732Z<\/p>\n

As the riders roll past huge rapeseed fields, the sprinters’ team are playing bluff with each other and nobody is keen to lead the chase.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:17:00.380Z<\/p>\n

The peloton and the sprinters are keen to save energy early in the stage to be as fresh for the fast final hour and the sprint to the line.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:13:54.580Z<\/p>\n

Egan Bernal of Netcompany Ineos is at his team car, perhaps with a mechanical problem.<\/p>\n

Tim Rex of Visma also need help from his mechanic.<\/p>\n

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2026-05-08T11:12:57.302Z<\/p>\n

The peloton has let the attackers go clear. The gap is up to 1:30.<\/p>\n

The attackers are Manuele Tarozzi (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Polti VisitMalta).<\/p>\n

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2026-05-08T11:05:53.574Z
\n145km to go<\/p>\n

We have two riders on the attack. Will the peloton chase?<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:05:08.265Z<\/p>\n

Race director Stefano Allocchio blows his whistle and waves his flag from the race car.<\/p>\n

The 2026 Giro is underway!<\/p>\n

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2026-05-08T11:04:08.889Z<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f THE 2026 #GIRODITALIA IS UNDERWAY!!! pic.twitter.com\/t25wOUq2twMay 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:02:50.483Z<\/p>\n

The Unibet riders seem ready to dive into any early attacks.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:02:11.307Z<\/p>\n

We can see Lidl-Trek leader Derek Gee-West up front near the race director’s car.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:01:31.673Z<\/p>\n

1km until the stage starts!<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T11:00:49.796Z<\/p>\n

The local Bulgarian crowds are out along the roadsides. That’s great to see.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:55:35.924Z<\/p>\n

The riders can enjoy a 4.7km neutralised ride out of the seafront of Nessebar. Then the flag will drop and we are expecting attacks.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:54:40.233Z<\/p>\n

There are four jersey competitions and lots of other special classifications and prizes. We have all the details.<\/p>\n

Giro d’Italia jerseys, classifications and rules explained \u2013 A breakdown of points available on each stage, prize money, minor prizes and more<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"ROME,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)
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2026-05-08T10:52:24.428Z<\/p>\n

Race favourite Jonas Vingegaard was one of the last to sign on.<\/p>\n

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\"Jonas\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:50:37.208Z<\/p>\n

Here we go! The riders are about to roll out!<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:47:46.271Z<\/p>\n

The riders are happy to finally race after four days in Bulgaria but there is tension in the air due to the expected sprint finish.<\/p>\n

Team Giro d’Italia \ud83d\udc93 pic.twitter.com\/mZ4GnC4Ki0May 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:39:47.678Z<\/p>\n

The start of stage 1 in Nessebar is on the edge of the Black Sea. The sun is out!<\/p>\n

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\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:36:36.003Z<\/p>\n

Bulgaria is turning pink! The #Giroditalia starts here, and the riders will race along the roads of a land rich in history and beauty. Cycling brings people together and is spreading around the world thanks to its ambassadors on two wheels, who bring excitement wherever they\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/sbYxxtkblKMay 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:34:52.682Z<\/p>\n

The Giro d’Italia social media team are the best in the business. It’s great to be back at the Giro.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc6 We’re so unbelievably back #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com\/qyzCSfFDaWMay 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:32:41.195Z<\/p>\n

Half of the teams have signed on so far, with EF Education showing off their new green swap-out kit.<\/p>\n

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\"Image\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Assos\/EF Education-EasyPost)<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:28:32.638Z<\/p>\n

Simon Yates snatched overall victory on the final mountain stage in 2025. He made a surprise decision to retire during the winter but his twin brother Adam is leading the UAE team this year and could win in Rome.<\/p>\n

Alasdair Fotheringham spoke to Yates for this special interview, with Adam revealing his brother has given him some tips.<\/p>\n

‘He’s given me a few tricks and tips’ \u2013 Giro d’Italia GC contender Adam Yates garners advice and tactics from brother Simon’s victory<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Adam\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)
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2026-05-08T10:24:19.542Z<\/p>\n

Cyclingnews will have full live coverage of every stage of the Giro. The race is also broadcast and streamed around the globe.<\/p>\n

Check out our special ‘How to watch’ guide to understand where you can see the race and how a VPN can help if you are away from home.<\/p>\n

How to watch Giro d’Italia 2026 \u2013 Free live streams, TV channels, Schedule<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"GIULIANOVA,\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)
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2026-05-08T10:17:33.464Z<\/p>\n

At the start in Nessebar, the first teams are starting to sign-on. The sun is out and the weather is dry with expected temperatures of 18-20C.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T10:14:43.518Z<\/p>\n

This is our detailed stage 1 preview, with information on today’s stage.<\/p>\n

2026 Giro d’Italia stage 1 – Which sprinter is most likely to take the first maglia rosa?<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Jonathan\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Getty Images)
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2026-05-08T10:11:29.630Z<\/p>\n

The Giro d’Italia<\/a> starts outside of Italy for the 16th time and a second consecutive year, with Bulgaria hosting a three-stage Grande Partenza on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

This is our full race preview, with links to all our special pre-race content, full stage details and maps.<\/p>\n

Giro d’Italia 2026- Preview <\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Giro\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: RCS Sport\/Giro d’Italia)
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2026-05-08T10:03:48.470Z<\/p>\n

We’ve published previews, interviews, analysis and special features on the 2026 Giro in recent week and James Moultrie and Alasdair Fotheringham are on the ground in Bulgaria to speak to riders and teams and bring you all the best reporting on the 2026 Giro d’Italia.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T09:57:16.347Z<\/p>\n

The Giro d’Italia and the Grand Tour season begins with the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria.<\/p>\n

The riders will race three stages in Bulgaria and then transfer to Italy on Monday.<\/p>\n

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Stage 1 is along the Black Sea coast, from Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage Site and ends further south in Burgas after 147km of flat and likely fast racing.<\/p>\n

The tension is high as a high-speed sprint finish seems assured with the stage winner also awarded the first race leader’s Maglia Rosa.<\/p>\n

2026-05-08T09:54:55.261Z<\/p>\n

Buongiorno and welcome to the Cyclingnews full live coverage of stage 1 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.<\/p>\n