The route for the 2026 Giro Next Gen has been officially presented. The under-23 cycling event will take place from June 14–21, 2026, starting from Reggio Calabria and finishing in L’Aquila.
Organised by RCS Sports & Events, the eight-stage Giro Next Gen covers 1,082.1km and features 14,750m of elevation gain. The route will cross all five provinces of Calabria before moving through Basilicata, Puglia, Campania, and Lazio, ahead of a final conclusion in the Abruzzo region.
The opening two stages will offer opportunities for sprinters. The first major test for the general classification contenders arrives on Stage 3, a route from Sibari to Villa d’Agri di Marsicotevere that features 3,200m of climbing.
Following the Matera–Corato stage in Puglia, which provides a final opportunity for the sprinters, the race enters its decisive second half. Stage 5 takes place entirely in Campania, starting and finishing in Bacoli, with a profile suited to puncheurs.
The final trio of stages will feature mountain tests. These include summit finishes at Monte Livata from Subiaco in Lazio and Piana delle Mele in Guardiagrele, before concluding with an individual time trial from Civita di Bagno to L’Aquila in Abruzzo.
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events, said “The bond between the Giro d’Italia and Calabria is renewed and strengthened not only through the Giro d’Italia itself, but also through the Giro Next Gen, an event that represents the future of our sport and its protagonists. The Grande Partenza in Calabria, crossing all five provinces of the Region, will also help showcase a territory that has always demonstrated extraordinary hospitality towards the Corsa Rosa.”
Filippo Mancuso, Vice President of the Calabria Region, said “We are happy and honoured to host two of the most important cycling events in the world. Calabria will take centre stage, and these occasions will help showcase our unique qualities and demonstrate that our Region is ready to host events of such international importance.”
Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region, added “Abruzzo once again confirms itself as a land of great sport and a privileged stage for international events. Hosting the final two stages of the Giro Next Gen 2026 is a source of pride and an extraordinary opportunity for visibility. We are talking about the most important Under 23 stage race in the world, a true breeding ground for the champions of tomorrow.”
Cordiano Dagnoni, President of Federciclismo, added “The Federation warmly welcomes this new edition of the Giro Next Gen, which will take place entirely in Central and Southern Italy. This is a choice with deep technical and, above all, cultural value. Our sporting movement cannot do without the South, given the passion and participation it consistently provides.”
The full stage profiles for the 2026 Giro Next Gen will be revealed by the organiser at a later date.
www.gironextgen.it
www.rcssport.it
