Just like in 2022 (when they started in Hungary) and 2025 (Albania), the Giro is having its first rest day after only three stages. This early break is built into the schedule simply so the race can move from its foreign start back to Italy for Stage 4.
This move creates a huge problem for the team staff. Getting the main team bus and all the bikes and gear to the start line on Tuesday is no easy task. It takes at least 19 hours to drive from Sofia to southern Italy, and not every squad has a second bus waiting for them when they arrive.
Paul Magnier won stage 3 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia
Jonas Vingegaard not happy with the long transfer
Luckily for the riders, their trip is a bit easier. Most of the peloton is taking a plane from Sofia to Italy on Sunday night. However, with the physical toll the race takes on the body, not everyone is thrilled about spending time in a crowded airport and airplane.
This big trip from Bulgaria to Italy won’t be the last time the riders have to pack their bags for a long haul this month. Even though the rest of the race stays inside Italy’s borders, there is another huge transfer right at the very end.
After Stage 20 finishes up in the northern mountains of Piancavallo, the peloton has to get all the way down to Rome for the final sprint stage. That is about a six-hour drive by car, which means many riders will likely be hopping on another plane before the race is officially over.