- The Giro d'Italia is the largest sporting event ever held on Bulgarian territory.
- Viewers on Eurosport and HBO Max can watch every second of the race from the comfort of their homes.
- What you need to know if you want to see the stars of world cycling live.
- Recommendations from Eurosport expert Simeon Kichukov on the best viewing spots.
Cycling is very different from most other sports when it comes to watching it live, and it comes with a number of specific details. Those who want to attend the first three stages of the Giro d’Italia and watch the race up close should be aware of at least some of them. Even though viewers living along the Bulgarian route can follow every second on Eurosport and HBO Max, it’s absolutely worth experiencing the event in person. All stages will also remain available on demand in the “Sports” section of HBO Max for at least one month after the race ends.
Important tips for watching live:
- Start and finish areas are closed.
- The exact start and finish points are restricted well in advance and accessible only to organizers and accredited personnel.
- Don’t arrive at the last minute as you may not see anything, and the best spots will already be taken.
- Be prepared to walk. If you want to reach a start or finish zone, you may need to walk quite a distance. There are no designated parking areas for spectators.
- Close contact with riders is mainly possible near the team bus parking areas, typically at the finish (and less often at the start).
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Support the riders - cheer, applaud, and enjoy the cycling celebration.
- Do not stand in the middle of the road; if you do, move away early, not at the last moment, to avoid endangering riders.
- Do not leave loose items (bags, straps, cameras) hanging - they can catch on cyclists.
- Do not cross the road unless you are certain no riders are approaching at high speed. Always follow stewards’ instructions.
- Do not try to grab a bottle from a rider - ask politely and you might get one.
- After the finish, riders are often still under adrenaline or irritated, so reactions may be sharper.
- In team bus areas, do not walk in the middle of the road and watch out for riders heading back to their teams.
Where to watch the Giro d’Italia up close
Here are some of the main points along the three stages where you can best follow the race:
Stage 1
Nessebar (Old Town): neutral zone with slow riding and close-up views.
Burgas: key streets near the Sea Garden, with riders passing twice.
Sozopol: a ~22 km loop around the town; great viewing spots include Shofyorski Beach and areas near Duni and Cape Agalina.
Stage 2
Route passes through Aytos, Karnobat, Sliven, the Vratnik Pass, Byala, Lyaskovets, and finishes in Veliko Tarnovo.
Stage 3
Starts in Plovdiv, then continues through Pazardzhik, Dolna Banya, Borovets, Samokov, Iskar Reservoir, Pancharevo, and finishes in Sofia in front of the Parliament.
We wish you an enjoyable experience watching the three “Bulgarian” stages of the Giro d’Italia! Remember, every second of the race, from the start to the grand finale on May 31 in front of the Colosseum in Rome, can be watched exclusively on Eurosport and HBO Max, with Bulgarian commentary and expert analysis from Jens Voigt, Robbie McEwen, and Alberto Contador.
We also remind you that Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) recently announced a long-term extension of its exclusive broadcasting rights for the Giro d’Italia (men’s and women’s races) and other major Italian road cycling events across Europe and the United States. Under the new agreement with RCS Sport, WBD’s partnership with “La Corsa Rosa”, the first Grand Tour of the season, is set to continue for over 30 years, building on Eurosport’s coverage that began back in 1998.
