Italy 25 Feb – 01 Mar 2026 Class 2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website https://www.girosardegna.it/
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The Giro di Sardegna 2026 officially returns to the professional calendar today, marking its 30th edition after a 15-year absence. This year, the race is classified as a UCI 2.1 event.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the race is currently underway.
1. Professional Race (UCI 2.1)
Dates: February 25 – March 1, 2026 The 2026 route covers a total of 825.1 km across five stages, traversing the island from the northwest coast down to the south, and finishing on the northeast coast.
Stage Schedule
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Type |
| 1 | Feb 25 | Castelsardo > Bosa | 189.8 km | Hilly / Flat finish |
| 2 | Feb 26 | Oristano > Carbonia | 136.3 km | Hilly / Uphill finish |
| 3 | Feb 27 | Cagliari > Tortolì | 168.1 km | Mid-Mountain |
| 4 | Feb 28 | Arbatax > Nuoro | 153.6 km | High Mountain |
| 5 | Mar 1 | Nuoro > Olbia | 177.3 km | Hilly / Coast finish |
Notable Teams
Several major development and Pro-Continental squads are participating to test their riders before the Spring Classics, including:
- UAE Team Emirates Gen Z
- Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies
- Lidl – Trek Future Racing
- Team Polti VisitMalta
2. Amateur Event: GiroSardegna (30th Anniversary)
Dates: April 25 – May 1, 2026 If you are looking for the amateur “Gran Fondo” style event, that program takes place later this spring. For its 30th anniversary, it is based in the southeast (Muravera/Villasimius).
- GiroSardegna Classic: April 25–30 (6 stages of road racing).
- GiroSardegna Gravel: May 1 (UCI Gravel World Series qualifier).
- GiroSardegna Gold: The full 7-day combination of road and gravel stages.
Quick Tip: If you’re following the pro race, keep an eye on Stage 4 (Arbatax > Nuoro). With over 3,200 meters of vertical gain, it is the “Queen Stage” and will likely decide the overall winner.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Giro di Sardegna (Tour of Sardinia) is one of Italy’s most storied—yet historically intermittent—road cycling stage races.
As of February 25, 2026, the race is making a major headlines because today marks its official “Grand Return.” After a 15-year hiatus, the 30th edition of the professional race begins today, February 25, and will run through March 1, 2026.
1. Early Glory (1958–1983)
The race was established in 1958 as a way to bring professional cycling to the island of Sardinia. During the 1960s and 70s, it became a prestigious early-season “warm-up” for the Spring Classics, attracting the greatest legends in the sport.
- The Cannibal’s Reign: The legendary Eddy Merckx holds the record for the most overall victories, winning the race 4 times (1968, 1971, 1973, 1975).
- Other Icons: Winners during this golden era included Jacques Anquetil, Rik Van Looy, Freddy Maertens, and Giuseppe Saronni.
- The First Decline: Financial difficulties and logistical challenges of racing on an island led to several cancellations in the late 70s, and the race eventually disappeared after the 1983 edition.
2. Brief Revival (2009–2011)
The race was successfully revived in 2009. This short three-year stint is best remembered for launching the career of a modern superstar:
- The Peter Sagan Era: In 2011, a young Peter Sagan won the general classification. For 15 years, he remained the “defending champion” because the race was once again cancelled in 2012 due to budget cuts.
3. The 2026 Rebirth
The 2026 edition is a 2.1 category event on the UCI calendar, designed to showcase Sardinia’s landscape during the “low season” to promote tourism.
| St | Date | Route | Distance |
| 1 | Feb 25 | Castelsardo > Bosa | 189.8 km |
| 2 | Feb 26 | Oristano > Carbonia | 136.3 km |
| 3 | Feb 27 | Cagliari > Tortolì | 168.1 km |
| 4 | Feb 28 | Arbatax > Nuoro | 153.6 km |
| 5 | Mar 1 | Nuoro > Olbia | 177.3 km |
Pro vs. Amateur: A Note on the Name
It is important to distinguish between the UCI Professional Race and the GiroSardegna (Gran Fondo).
- Giro di Sardegna (UCI): The professional stage race for elite teams (the one returning today).
- GiroSardegna (Amateur): A popular week-long amateur event (Gran Fondo) that has run consistently for over 20 years, often held in April. It now includes a UCI Gravel World Series qualifier.
Historical Records
- Most Overall Wins: Eddy Merckx (4)
- Most Stage Wins: Rik Van Looy (18)
- Last Winner (before 2026): Peter Sagan (2011)
