Click on the flag to change language. The automatic translation of this website is done by “Gtranslate” and may contain translation errors. The English text is authoritative
Italy 14 Jun – 21 Jun 2026 Class 2.2 – Stages – UCI WorldTour
Website https://www.gironextgen.it/en/
The Giro d’Italia Next Gen 2026 (Giro Next Generation) is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 21, 2026. The 2026 edition features a route focused on Southern Italy, starting in Reggio Calabria and concluding in L’Aquila.
2026 Race Schedule & Stages
The race consists of 8 stages covering approximately 1,050 km.
| # | Date | Route | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 14 | Reggio Calabria – Vibo Valentia | Hilly |
| 2 | June 15 | Tropea – Crotone | Flat/Hilly |
| 3 | June 16 | Sibari – Villa d’Agri di Marsicovetere | Hilly |
| 4 | June 17 | Matera – Corato | Flat |
| 5 | June 18 | Bacoli – Bacoli | Circuit |
| 6 | June 19 | Velletri – Monte Livata | Mountain (Summit Finish) |
| 7 | June 20 | Sulmona – Piana delle Mele | Mountain (Summit Finish) |
| 8 | June 21 | Civita di Bagno – L’Aquila | Hilly/Individual Time Trial |
Key Highlights
- Southern Start: The race begins in Calabria and moves north through Basilicata, Puglia, and Campania.
- Decisive Climbs: Major general classification battles are expected on the summit finishes of Monte Livata (Stage 6) and Piana delle Mele (Stage 7).
- Final Showdown: The race often concludes with a technical stage or time trial in Abruzzo, specifically in the regional capital, L’Aquila.
The Giro Next Gen, historically known as the “Baby Giro,” was founded in 1970 as an amateur version of the Giro d’Italia. It is the most prestigious stage race for Under-23 (U23) cyclists and has served as a springboard for some of the greatest champions in cycling history.
Historical Milestones
- 1970: The first edition was won by Giancarlo Bellini. In the early years, the race was dominated by Italian amateurs.
- The Golden Age of Champions: During the 1970s and 1990s, the race identified future Grand Tour winners such as Francesco Moser (1971), Marco Pantani (1992), and Gilberto Simoni (1993).
- Hiatuses: The race has faced several interruptions due to financial or organizational issues, notably from 2013 to 2016 and previously in 1987, 2005, and 2007–2008.
- 2017 Return: The event was relaunched specifically as a U23 race to align with the modern development structure of professional cycling.
- 2023 Takeover: RCS Sport, the organizers of the professional Giro d’Italia, took over the management of the race to further professionalize the event.
Former Winners Who Became Stars
Winning the “Baby Giro” is often a sign of a future world-class career. Notable recent winners who transitioned to the WorldTour include:
- Tom Pidcock (2020)
- Juan Ayuso (2021)
- Leo Hayter (2022)
Evolution of Names
Throughout its history, the race has been known by several official and colloquial names:
- Giro Ciclistico d’Italia (Original official name)
- Baby Giro (Common nickname)
- Girobio (Emphasizing a clean, biological passport approach in the late 2000s)
- Giro d’Italia Giovani Under 23
- Giro Next Gen (Current branding since 2024)
