TIRANA, May 9/ATA/ The 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia started today, May 9, from Durrës and will end after 21 stages in Rome on Sunday, June 1.

For the first time in history, the tour will have its first three stages in Albania. The start of the First Stage was at 13:10 from Durrës to reach the country’s capital, Tirana, after 160 kilometers.

184 cyclists started the ride that is set to end at about 17:00 hrs. in Tirana. This event is broadcast in more than 200 countries around the world and more than 800 million viewers will be watching it for three days with their eyes on Albania.

There are 3500 police officers who will guarantee security in this race. The other two stages will take place in Tirana on May 10 and in Vlora on May 11.

Today’s first stage, Durrës – Tirana started at the Port of Durrës, where the teams warmed up and rode until they reached KM 0, in Durrës, where started the race. The athletes will ride further towards Robi Mount, in Kavaja, Rrogozhina, Peqin, Papër, Bradashesh, Gracen, Mullet, TEG, Sauk, Surrel, Tirana. In Tirana, they will cycle from Surrel, along “Xhanfize Keko” Street, towards “Martur’s of the Nation” Boulevard, then again on “Rexhekri” Street, towards Surrel, on “Xhanfize Keko” Street and on “Martyrs of the Nation” Boulevard. The end of the race is expected to be around 17:03 at “Mother Teresa” Square. /j.p/p.s./