For years, the Giro d’Italia Women has overlapped with the
men’s
Tour de France, a scheduling conflict that will continue in 2025, with
the women’s race set for July 6–13 and the men’s Tour beginning July 5.
This overlap has long been criticized for limiting the
visibility of the women’s event. With much of the media, fan attention, and
broadcasting focused on the Tour, the Giro has struggled to gain the spotlight
it deserves. Riders, fans, and observers have consistently pointed out that
running both races concurrently diminishes the reach and impact of the women’s
competition.
That’s why the decision to shift the Giro to late May or
early June from 2026 onward is being viewed as a turning point. A separate
calendar slot could give the race its own platform, allowing for more
comprehensive coverage, better audience engagement, and broader exposure for
sponsors and teams.
“I think it is a good development. It will attract more
attention and more people will watch our Giro. That is always a good
development,” said
Lorena Wiebes in an interview
with WielerFlits.Marianne Vos, a three-time Giro winner, also welcomed the
change. “Because the Giro coincides with the start of the Tour, that is not the
most favourable period in cycling. So the move on the calendar is good.”
The calendar reshuffle also aligns the Giro more naturally
within the women’s season structure, potentially making it a more strategic
target for top riders preparing for the Tour de France Femmes later in the
summer. For now, though, the 2025 edition will proceed in the shadow of the
Tour once more, but it may be the last time it does.