We’re not even a week into the 2025 Giro d’Italia, but
attention is already turning to where the race might kick off in the future.
After this year’s opening three stages in Albania, speculation is swirling, and
one rumoured destination for 2027 is turning heads.
Australia.
Yes, you read that right. The Giro d’Italia, one of
cycling’s most historic Grand Tours, could begin more than 14,000 kilometres
from home.
It sounds far-fetched, but it’s not as wild an idea as it
might seem. The Giro has already ventured to Belfast (2014), Jerusalem (2018),
and Budapest (2022) in recent years. Now, race organisers RCS are reportedly
weighing up another bold move. Alongside talks with Saudi Arabia and the United
Arab Emirates, where RCS already organises the UAE Tour, Australia is now
firmly in the mix.
The Middle East, though, brings its own complications. The
political situation in the region raises questions about stability and safety
for hosting such a major event. Bulgaria has also emerged as a more
conventional possibility, but the real surprise is coming from down under.
“There are talks to bring the first 3 stages of the Giro
2027 to Australia. That is not a joke or a rumour. It is real,” Australian
journalist Michael Tomalaris told Sporza.
“I know from a reliable source that Giro organizer RCS is
looking at possibilities to bring the Giro to Australia. I know that seems
impossible to many people. But it is really being considered.”
Tomalaris thinks Western Australia would be the most
practical host: “I think the most logical place would be Perth (in Western
Australia) because that's the closest to Europe.”
“But Melbourne and Sydney would also be interested. Those
regions are always looking for big events.”
Of course, the logistics are daunting. After three days of
racing, the entire Giro caravan would need to make a 16-hour flight back to
Italy. Tomalaris acknowledges that this would likely require “2 rest days after
the Australian triptych.”
And how would the riders react?
“But if the riders are compensated for it, they might think
twice,” he said. “Everyone will ultimately be in the same boat, because
everyone has to do those flights. So everyone has the same disadvantages.”
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He also points to other major sporting events making their
way to Australia. “For example, next year a Serie A match (Inter-Milan) and an
NFL duel will be played in Australia,” Tomalaris noted.
But does Australia even want the Giro?
“In Australia, the love for cycling is very big. This is
thanks to some of the top Australian riders such as Robbie McEwen, Stuart
O'Grady, Bradley McGee, Simon Gerrans, Cadel Evans and more recently Caleb
Ewan, Ben O'Connor and Jai Hindley,” Tomalaris explained.
And beyond the star power, there’s a deeper cultural pull,
“Watching the Giro and the Tour is a form of escapism for us. Because here it
is a bit cooler in May, June and July and it gets dark earlier.”
“Bringing the start of the Giro to Australia would be a
dream come true.”
Sporza also spoke with Giro boss Mauro Vegni from
RCS, who kept his cards close to his chest, but didn’t rule anything out.
“We don't rule anything out,” he said. “It's difficult from
a practical and logistical point of view, but we don't say no to anyone in
advance.”
“Everything is possible, but you have to study the interest
well and you also have to find out what the UCI's position is. Moreover, we do
not yet know how the calendar will be reformed soon and what the rules will
be.”
“Only then can you see what is possible. We have so many
requests from abroad and we assess them all. We are prepared to talk to
everyone. That is clear. After that, a whole process can begin that could
possibly lead to such a Grande Partenza.”
So, are formal negotiations happening?
“There is certainly interest,” Vegni confirmed. “But as I
said: there are many issues for which you may need to find a solution.”
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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