Second stage of the Giro d'Italia with departure from Burgas and finish at Veliko Tarnovo after 221 km. This is a challenging stage that crosses some valleys of the Balkans: the first part is flat on wide roads, becoming more demanding with several climbs and descents after Sliven, where the intermediate sprint is located after 100.4 km. Two categorized climbs - Byala Pass (3rd category) at km 116.3 and Vratnik Pass (3rd category) at km 134.1 - approaching Veliko Tarnovo: the route passes through Lyaskovets where, 11 km from the finish, the challenging climb of the Monastery (Lyaskovets Monastery Pass, 3rd category climb) is tackled. A descent towards Veliko Tarnovo to face the final demanding kilometers. The last km is practically flat with a short descent before climbing again towards the finish.

to follow the live coverage of the entire stage starting at 10.50 CLICK HERE

THE ROADS OF THE GIRO. Leaving Burgas with its attractions and those wineries that cradle some of Bulgaria's most renowned wines, the Giro heads decisively towards the center of the country, encountering its first mountains. Before starting to climb, however, you pass through Sliven, one of Bulgaria's main cities, which can be admired by visiting the remains of the medieval Tuda Fortress, positioned on elevated ground above the city center. Also worth visiting is the National Museum of Craftsmen, which offers a journey through the country's traditional culture with an extensive collection of art and craft objects, including textiles, ceramics, wooden objects, and jewelry.

From here it's worth temporarily leaving the race route and reaching Kazanlak, the ideal gateway to the Valley of Roses with its extensive plantations from which more than half of the rose oil used by perfume companies worldwide is derived. A truly spectacular display of colors and fragrances that shouldn't be missed, and which becomes even more moving during these weeks.

The climb to the Lyaskovets Monastery Pass could decide the outcome of the race. Here, while waiting for the riders to pass, you can visit the magnificent Orthodox Monastery dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, an important spiritual center for more than a millennium and, for a long time, a political center of the country. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, today it is a convent but is largely open to visitors.

Here it is, finally, Veliko Tarnovo, the finish line of today's stage. The ancient capital of the Bulgarian Empire preserves countless vestiges of its golden period. First among these is the Tsarevets fortress, already the center of Bulgarian power and which today has become an unmissable attraction thanks to its imposing walls, underground galleries, the restored church, and the unparalleled panoramic view of the city. Not far from here you can stroll through Trapezitsa, the historic fortified quarter of the city. Also worth seeing is the Preobrazhenski Monastery, one of the largest and oldest in the country, also positioned with a panoramic view, containing important frescoes and icons inside. Also charming is the Kolyo Ficheto pedestrian bridge, dating back to the 19th century, which connects the two parts of the city. It was built in stone and decorated with classical columns. The perfect spot to take a celebratory selfie of the day.