Cyclists battle toward the finish in the Giro d'Italia 2025. Photo includes prominent racers in the peloton.

The Giro d'Italia 2025 has officially commenced, captivating cycling fans worldwide. With a dramatic opening stage in Tirana and fierce competition for the famous maglia rosa, this year’s Grand Tour is already delivering thrilling moments. Below, we break down the key highlights, current standings, and how you can stay connected to the action throughout the race.

Electrifying Start in Tirana: Key Moments of the Opening Stage

The curtain rose on the 2025 Giro d'Italia with a fast-paced opener in Albania’s capital city. Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek surged past rivals in a high-speed sprint, narrowly edging out Wout van Aert, and claimed the coveted pink leader’s jersey. The occasion was bittersweet, as Mikel Landa’s promising campaign ended in heartbreak after a late-race crash, forcing his withdrawal (read full race recap).

Team tactics and challenging climbs defined the day. The Lidl-Trek squad set a relentless pace, ensuring Pedersen was perfectly positioned for his impressive win. Despite setbacks for favorites such as Derek Gee and Thymen Arensman, the first stage has set a competitive tone for the weeks ahead.

Current Standings: Who Wears the Pink Jersey?

After the opening day, Mads Pedersen leads the Giro d'Italia 2025 general classification. He holds a narrow advantage over Wout van Aert, with Orluis Aular close behind. Favorites like Primož Roglič and Egan Bernal managed to stay within touching distance, while early time losses for others could impact the overall battle (see updated GC standings).

The race also awards prestigious jerseys:

• Maglia Rosa: Overall race leader
• Maglia Ciclamino: Points leader
• Maglia Azzurra: Best climber
• Maglia Bianca: Top young rider

As stage two’s time trial approaches, expect all classifications to continue shifting.

How to Watch the Giro d'Italia 2025: Broadcast & Streaming Options

Global cycling fans have plenty of ways to follow every stage. In the United States, live coverage streams on MAX, with digital highlights and news recaps available daily. Canadian viewers can tune in via FloSports, including French-language highlights. Across Europe, Eurosport, TNT Sports (UK), Discovery+, and MAX provide comprehensive access, with additional options for Asia, Latin America, and beyond.

The official Giro d'Italia website and app offer live commentary in several languages, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes content. For those who like to get more interactive, the digital FanZone is back, as is the partnership with Strava, letting fans analyze routes and see pro riders’ performances up close (get the full guide here).

What's Next in the Giro d'Italia 2025?

As the peloton rolls out for the next stages, competition is heating up. Rivalries are emerging, and every time trial, mountain pass, and sprint finish could shake up the leaderboard. With so much on the line, now is the time to follow every turn of the pedal.

Don’t miss a moment—keep checking for updates, race recaps, and standings throughout the Giro d'Italia 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, there’s plenty of excitement still to come.