Giro d'Italia will pay tribute to late Pope with symbolic start of final stage in Vatican City

For third time in a row, the Giro d'Italia will conclude with a stage held in the capital of Italy, Rome. However, this year's edition will be special thanks to a "symbolic start" from the Vatican City in Rome to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis.

BBC reports that the final stage in Rome on 1 June will begin with a neutralised start - a non-competitive segment where the riders cycle slowly before the race begins - that will pass through the Vatican City before leaving through Porta del Perugino. This will be for the third time in history that Corsa Rosa visits Vatican City.

The 21st and final stage of the Giro, which begins in Albania on 9 May, will then start officially and include eight loops of a 9.5 km circuit on the streets of Rome.

"This presence is renewed this year with an exciting symbolic start from Vatican City, a tribute to Pope Francis, his persona, and his message of hope in the Jubilee year," Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said.