The second stage of the Giro d'Italia is already set to reshape the overall standings. A 13.7 km time trial through the streets of the Albanian capital, Tirana, is on the program.

to follow the live coverage of the entire stage starting at 1:15 PM CLICK HERE

Technically, this is an entirely urban time trial that runs along wide boulevards connected by U-turns. In the central part, a short climb to Sauk is categorized as a GPM (with the intermediate timing point located in the same position), while the last 2 km are the same as yesterday's stage finale, completely flat.

THE TERRITORY. The time trial scheduled for the second day of the Giro d'Italia 2025 takes place entirely within the municipality of Tirana, the capital of Albania, and offers a golden opportunity to discover a multifaceted and surprising city.

The starting point of every visit - and the heart of the city - is Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero. Dominated by the Skanderbeg Statue, the square is surrounded by particularly significant buildings such as the Et'hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious buildings spared during the communist regime, famous for its detailed frescoes, the National Historical Museum, which tells the story of Albania through artifacts and testimonies, and the Clock Tower, built in the 19th century.

A short distance from the square stands the Tirana Pyramid, once a mausoleum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, now transformed into an alternative cultural space. A symbol of the communist era, it is now a controversial but fascinating structure, loved by young people who climb it to admire the city view.

Near Skanderbeg Square, you'll find the Pazar i Ri, or Tirana Bazaar. The structure was renovated in 2017 and offers a wide range of local fresh products, from fruits to vegetables, as well as cheeses, cold cuts, and handicrafts, but most importantly, it reveals the authentic soul of the city.

One of the most evocative places in Tirana is Bunk'Art1, a former underground bunker transformed into a museum dedicated to the history of the communist dictatorship. The exhibition path offers an intense and realistic view of life in Albania under the Hoxha regime. A similar experience can be had at Bunk'Art 2, located in the city center, which explores the theme of secret surveillance and political repression.

A must-visit at any time of day or night is Blloku, the trendiest neighborhood in Tirana. Once reserved for the communist elite, it is now a vibrant hub of entertainment and bien-vivre, renowned for its cafes, gourmet restaurants, clubs, and fashionable boutiques. Tree-lined streets help create a cosmopolitan atmosphere, complemented by colorful buildings and murals that tell the story of its tumultuous past. Here you'll find the most beautiful and interesting bars in Tirana.

Tirana Grand Park is the city's green lung, with its picturesque artificial lake, ideal for walks and moments of relaxation. Within the park, you'll also find the UN Memorial and the Church of St. Procopius, one of the oldest in the capital.

If you have spare time or want to appreciate Tirana from a different perspective, take the Dajti Express cable car, which can be accessed near Bunk'Art1 and takes you to the 1,613 meters of Mount Dajti in just a few minutes.