Giro d'Italia Women — Stage 1 Cesenatico-Ravenna
The Big Start of the Women's Pink Race from Pantani's City
About Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico
The Women's Pink Race Starts from Cesenatico
The Giro d'Italia Women is the most prestigious women's cycling stage race, organized by RCS Sport and considered the female equivalent of the renowned men's Corsa Rosa. In 2026, its 36th edition chose Emilia-Romagna for the Big Start, specifically the municipality of Cesenatico, in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, as the venue for the start.
This is not a random choice: Cesenatico is the hometown of Marco Pantani, the unforgettable 'Pirate' who made cycling history. Starting the women's pink race from here holds immense symbolic value, linking the present of international cycling to the Romagna roots of one of the greatest climbers ever.
Stage 1: Cesenatico-Ravenna
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the athletes started from Piazza Andrea Costa, in the heart of Cesenatico, to tackle a 139-kilometer stage ending in Ravenna. The route was entirely flat, designed for sprinters: after leaving the Adriatic seafront, the peloton headed towards the Romagna hinterland, without a single climb, before tackling a three-lap city circuit in Ravenna's historic center before the finish line.
A City Celebrating
The start day transformed Cesenatico into a grand cycling celebration: fans, enthusiasts, families, and onlookers flocked to the streets and along the Leonardesque canal port to greet the caravan. The start village, set up at Colonia Trento in the Ponente area, hosted sponsors, stands, and the public, while the official team presentation livened up the eve in Piazza Costa.
The Giro Women and Emilia-Romagna
The 2026 edition spanned nine stages for a total of over 1,150 kilometers, crossing various Italian regions until the grand finale. Emilia-Romagna confirmed its status as a land of cycling, hosting multiple stages and reinforcing the deep connection between the territory and this sport. For Cesenatico and the entire Romagna Riviera, hosting the women's pink jersey meant showcasing their beaches, hospitality, and sporting history to cameras worldwide.
- Stage race on the UCI Women's WorldTour calendar
- Big Start from Marco Pantani's hometown
- First flat stage suitable for sprinters
- Finish among the UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of Ravenna
Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico — edition 2026
The 36th edition of the Giro d'Italia Women kicked off on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from Cesenatico. Stage 1, covering 139 km towards Ravenna, was entirely flat and designed for sprinters, concluding in a sprint on the Ravenna city circuit. The 2026 women's pink race then unfolded over nine stages in total, crossing Emilia-Romagna and other Italian regions until the grand finale on June 7.
Programme Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico 2026
Friday, May 29 — Eve
- 6:30 PM–7:45 PM — Official team presentation in Piazza Andrea Costa
Saturday, May 30 — Stage 1 Cesenatico-Ravenna (139 km)
- Opening of the start village at Colonia Trento, Via Magellano (Ponente area)
- Preliminary operations, signing of the start list, and team gathering in Piazza Andrea Costa
- 3:20 PM — Official start from Cesenatico, flat route towards the Romagna hinterland
- Final three-lap circuit in Ravenna's historic center and sprint finish
The stage was characterized by a sprint finish. The first place at the finish line went to Lorena Wiebes, subsequently disqualified for an underweight bicycle: the stage victory and the first pink jersey were therefore awarded to Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek), ahead of Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ).
Highlights Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico 2026
The Big Start from Marco Pantani's city; the celebration along Cesenatico's seafront and canal port; the sprint finish on the circuit amidst Ravenna's mosaics; the conquest of the first pink jersey.
Prices Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico 2026
Practical information — Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico
How to Get There
Cesenatico is easily reachable by car via the A14 motorway (Cesena or Valle del Rubicone exits). By train, Cesenatico station is served by the Adriatic line; the nearest airports are Forlì, Rimini, and Bologna.
Points of Interest on the Start Day
Start from Piazza Andrea Costa; start village at Colonia Trento on Via Magellano, Ponente area. It is advisable to arrive early and use peripheral parking lots, given the road closures in the center.
Costs
The event is free and open to the public along the entire route and in the start areas.
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Where does it take place — Giro d'Italia Women in Cesenatico
Piazza Andrea Costa
Piazza Andrea Costa, 47042 Cesenatico