Albania went to the polls over the weekend and Prime Minister Edi Rama is approaching re-election. Italy had met Albanian Prime Minister Rama last January during the Giro d'Italia presentation in Rome, and yesterday, at the end of the last stage in the Balkan country, the final assessment was made, with an extremely positive outcome.

For electoral reasons, the Albanian premier only participated in the second stage of the pink race, the time trial starting and ending in Tirana, as elections were held on Sunday, with Edi Rama in a clear lead. The Giro d'Italia was an important showcase for the Country, and Rama expressed enthusiasm because the race, in addition to showing Albania's historical and landscape beauty, consolidated relations with Italy.

"This is a moment of great pride for everyone – Rama said at the end of the second stage - Because on one hand we can expect many beautiful people and on the other show to Italy and the entire world, through all the televisions following the Giro d'Italia, our extraordinary country".

Rama thanked all media that broadcast the three stages of the Giro d'Italia from Albania, highlighting the large number of messages received. "I read many messages from my friends telling me that we have an incredible Country. Moreover, the images helped many Albanians discover beauties they didn't know".

In his speech, Rama wanted to thank the Giro and all the people who made such an important event possible, which had never been hosted in Albania before. "This pink race is marvelous, it's truly beautiful and I must congratulate President Urbano Cairo and all the actors who made this Giro something fantastic that goes beyond sport and becomes a popular celebration and a celebration of peoples".

Mauro Vegni, director of the Giro d'Italia, presented Premier Rama with the official pink Giro d'Italia flag, symbolizing how two peoples can be united through sport.

The 108th Giro started last Friday from Durazzo and after passing through Tirana and Valona, after three days crossed the Mediterranean and returned to home roads. Today's stage will start from Alberobello and after 187 kilometers will arrive in Lecce. 200 countries admired Albanian beauties on television, for a total of about 800 million viewers. The future of this small country facing the Mediterranean seems more secure, and the pink race, thanks to its popularity, has certainly helped to showcase Albania's beauty to the world.