"Giro d'Italia" is coming to Bulgaria in 2026.

“Giro d’Italia” comes to Bulgaria in 2026.

It has been officially confirmed that Bulgaria will host part of the prestigious cycling race “Giro d’Italia” in 2026, with three stages included in the international calendar of the race. This historic decision paves the way for Bulgaria to establish itself as a host of one of the largest cycling and sports events in the world.

The news was confirmed today during a conference in Rome, Italy, where the Bulgarian delegation, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and the Ministers of Sports and Youth Ivan Peshev and Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, received the official trophy for the host countries of “Giro d’Italia”.

Bulgaria will host three stages of the race, passing through iconic locations that combine cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty. The route will start from Nessebar, Burgas to Chernomorets, continue through the old capital Veliko Tarnovo, will pass through Plovdiv, and will finish with a grand finale on the Yellow Cobblestones in Sofia. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, international media, and leading professional cyclists.

Members of the GGC leadership, who assisted RCS Sport in the transaction process – Krestiyan Kolev and Nikodemo Petchek from GGC – emphasize that the project will stimulate tourism, promote an active lifestyle, and showcase Bulgaria on the global sports map in a new and impressive way. The event will take place at a key moment in the country’s history – in connection with Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone – which will open new opportunities for businesses and enhance Bulgaria’s international image.

Details on the route, infrastructure activities, and accompanying events will be published in the coming months.

 

Who are Krestiyan Kolev and Nikodemo Petchek, partners in GGC (Krestiyan Kolev is also a partner at https://careerdailynews.com/, and Nikodemo Petchek is a financial advisor on our platform)?

Krestiyan Kolev:

Partner and Head of institutional relations at Go Group Consulting

Krestiyan Kolev is a lawyer specializing in commercial law, intellectual property, international business transactions, and risk management. He combines deep legal expertise with practical insight into the needs of modern business. Known for his analytical approach, multicultural perspective, precision, and ability to find effective solutions in complex international cases.

 

Nikodemo Petchek:

Partner and Co-founder at Go Group Consulting

Nikodemo Petchek is a consultant with international experience in business development, strategic planning, and organizational processes. He focuses on finance and strategy, supporting companies during periods of growth or transformation. He is distinguished by a pragmatic style and the ability to turn strategy into practical results.

 

 

Careerdailynews.com asked them several questions to learn more about the historic announcement that “Giro d’Italia” will be held in Bulgaria in 2026.

 

 

How and when did the idea of hosting “Giro d’Italia” to be held in Sofia in 2026 originate?

Krestiyan:

In early 2025, Bulgarian representatives had already taken initial steps to establish contact with RCS – the official organizer of “Giro d’Italia”. At a later stage, there was a need for international expertise and structured project management, which is when Go Group Consulting became actively involved. Thanks to the professional skills and positioning of the team in the market, the negotiation process was successfully launched and carried out, which led to the current confirmation of Bulgaria as host.

 

What convinced you that Bulgaria is a suitable destination for hosting such a world-class event?

Nikodemo:

Bulgaria possesses all the key elements required to successfully host an event of the caliber of “Giro d’Italia” – from diverse terrain and stunning natural landscapes to modern infrastructure and European-style cities. Our analysis confirmed that the country not only meets technical and logistical requirements but also offers substantial potential for cycling sports and sports tourism.

Strong institutional support and the genuine desire of Bulgarian partners to position the country on the international sports map were decisive factors, proving that Bulgaria is an excellent choice for this historic hosting.

 

How did the communication and negotiation process with international organizers of “Giro d’Italia” proceed?

Nikodemo:

The process was dynamic but highly professional. As advisors to RCS Sport, our team ensured that all requirements for hosting such a high-level event were clearly understood and correctly applied in the Bulgarian context.

Since this is the first event of such scale in Bulgaria, naturally, there were differences in cultural and administrative practices between the two countries. Our professional expertise was key for navigating all steps, synchronizing expectations, and ensuring transparent, effective, and constructive communication between RCS and Bulgarian institutions.

It is important to note that the Bulgarian state administration has highly competent and responsible professionals. The partnership between RCS and Bulgarian institutions allowed us to find solutions to all key issues – a decisive factor for the positive result and for the choice of Bulgaria as host.

 

What were the main criteria Bulgaria had to meet to receive approval?

Krestiyan:

The approval was the result of a multi-level assessment, applied by RCS Sport to all international candidates. As advisors to the Italian structure, our team played a key role in the coordination, analysis, and verification of these criteria to present Bulgaria professionally and convincingly.

Key requirements included:

Infrastructure and logistical readiness, in line with the standards of a large international sports event.

Organizational capacity and institutional stability for coordination among multiple government agencies, local authorities, security services, and technical experts.

Media and communication readiness to ensure international visibility and high-quality coverage.

Strategic and tourism potential, including geographical location, cultural heritage, and the opportunity to improve Bulgaria’s international image.

 

What was the main goal for GGC during these negotiations?

Nikodemo:

The main goal was to ensure a sustainable, high-quality, internationally recognized sports event that would position Bulgaria on the map of major global sports events. For GGC, as advisors to RCS, the priority was to provide a professional, transparent, and structured framework that guarantees the high standards of “Giro d’Italia”. For Bulgaria, the goal is multifaceted: to present the country to an international audience, to stimulate tourism, and to strengthen the organizational capacity for large events.

 

What specific benefits do you expect for tourism, economy, and sports in Bulgaria?

Krestiyan:

The expected benefits are significant in several sectors.

Tourism: The event will attract tens of thousands of spectators, journalists, teams, sponsors, and international delegations. The global television broadcast will present Bulgaria as a modern, dynamic, and attractive European destination, which often leads to increased interest in lesser-known regions.

Economy: Direct and indirect effects will be generated through employment, services, hotels, transport, logistics, advertising, production, and increased international attention.

Sports: Infrastructure will improve, athletes will be motivated, new clubs and sponsors will be attracted, and Bulgaria’s ability to host events of the highest international rank will be demonstrated.

 

How will the route in Bulgaria be chosen and what factors will determine its final form?

Krestiyan:

The route will be selected to balance the challenge for cyclists and the spectacle for the audience. We will engage local communities, producers, and residents to showcase the cultural heritage, art, cuisine, and social life of Bulgaria, which are attracting increasing international interest.

Remember – “Giro d’Italia” is broadcast on five continents and over 700 million people watch it. Every turn and every street will be a showcase for the country.

 

What is your personal and professional satisfaction from bringing “Giro d’Italia” to Bulgaria?

Krestiyan:

This is an extremely exciting moment. As a lawyer who lives and works both in Bulgaria and Italy, I can combine my professional experience and knowledge of both markets to ensure the successful implementation of a project of such international rank.

 

Professional satisfaction comes from coordinating complex legal, organizational, and diplomatic processes that allowed Bulgaria to be chosen as host. Personal satisfaction is even greater – the country receives the opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and ability to organize a world-class event at the highest level.

 

Nikodemo:

After years in New York and Milan, this project is particularly significant for me. I have lived and worked in Bulgaria for years, and to see the country as a host of such a global event is a true satisfaction. Professionally, it is a project of the highest rank – requiring coordination, strategic thinking, and attention to every international detail.

I am proud that Go Group Consulting managed to connect the Italian organization with Bulgarian institutions and showcase to the world the potential, heritage, and beauty of Bulgaria. This is a unique opportunity for the country to shine on the international stage – and personally, the feeling is incredible.

Officially, Bulgaria has been confirmed as the host country for a part of the prestigious cycling race “Giro d’Italia” in 2026, with three stages forming part of the race’s international calendar. This historic decision paves the way for Bulgaria to establish itself as a host of one of the world’s largest cycling and sports events.

The announcement was confirmed today during a conference in Rome, Italy, where the Bulgarian delegation, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and the Ministers of Sports and Youth Ivan Peshev and Tourism Miroslav Borshosh, received the official trophy for the host countries of the “Giro d’Italia.”

Bulgaria will host three stages of the race, covering iconic locations that combine cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty. The route will start from Nessebar, Burgas to Chernomorets, continue through the old capital Veliko Tarnovo, pass through Plovdiv, and culminate with a grand finish on the Yellow Cobblestones in Sofia. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, international media, and top professional cyclists.

Members of GGC leadership, who assisted RCS Sport in the transaction process, Krestiyan Kolev and Nikodemo Petchek from GGC – emphasize that the project will stimulate tourism, promote an active lifestyle, and showcase Bulgaria on the global sports map in a new and impressive way. The event will take place at a key moment in the country’s history – in connection with Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone – opening new opportunities for businesses and enhancing Bulgaria’s international image.

Details on the route, infrastructure activities, and accompanying events will be published in the coming months.

Who are Krestiyan Kolev and Nikodemo Petchek, Partners GGC (Krestiyan Kolev is also a partner at https://careerdailynews.com/, and Nikodemo Petchek is a financial advisor on our platform)?

Krestiyan Kolev: Partner & Head of institutional relations at Go Group Consulting Krestiyan Kolev is a lawyer specializing in commercial law, intellectual property, international business transactions, and risk management. He combines deep legal expertise with practical insight into the needs of modern business. Known for his analytical approach, multicultural perspective, precision, and ability to find effective solutions in complex international cases.

Nikodemo Petchek: Partner and Co-founder at Go Group Consulting Nikodemo Petchek is a consultant with international experience in business development, strategic planning, and organizational processes. He focuses on finance and strategy supporting companies during periods of growth or transformation. He is distinguished by a pragmatic style and the ability to turn strategy into practical results.

Careerdailynews.com asked them several questions to learn more about the historic announcement of “Giro d’Italia” being held in Bulgaria in 2026.

How and when did the idea of hosting “Giro d’Italia” in Sofia in 2026 originate?

Krestiyan: In early 2025, Bulgarian representatives had already taken initial steps to establish contact with RCS, the official organizer of “Giro d’Italia.” At a later stage, there was a need for international expertise and structured project management, which is when Go Group Consulting became actively involved. Thanks to the team’s professional skills and positioning in the martket, the negotiation process was successfully launched and carried out, leading to the current confirmation of Bulgaria as host.

What convinced you that Bulgaria is a suitable destination for hosting such a world-class event?

Nikodemo: Bulgaria possesses all the key elements required to successfully host an event of the caliber of “Giro d’Italia” – from diverse terrain and stunning natural landscapes to modern infrastructure and European-style cities. Our analysis confirmed that the country not only meets technical and logistical requirements but also offers substantial potential for cycling sports and sports tourism. Strong institutional support and the genuine desire of Bulgarian partners to position the country on the international sports map were decisive factors, proving Bulgaria is an excellent choice for this historic hosting.

How did the communication and negotiation process with the international organizers of “Giro d’Italia” proceed?

Nikodemo: The process was dynamic but highly professional. As advisors to RCS Sport, our team ensured that all requirements for hosting such a high-level event were clearly understood and correctly applied in the Bulgarian context. Being the first event of this scale in Bulgaria, there were naturally differences in cultural and administrative practices between the two countries. Our professional expertise and experience were key in navigating all steps, aligning expectations, and ensuring transparent, effective, and constructive communication between RCS and Bulgarian institutions. It is important to note that Bulgarian public administration has highly competent and committed professionals. Together, the partnership between RCS, and Bulgarian institutions allowed us to find solutions to all key issues, a decisive factor for the positive outcome and Bulgaria being selected as host.

What were the main criteria Bulgaria had to meet to receive approval?

Krestiyan: Approval was the result of a multi-level assessment applied by RCS Sport to all international candidates. As advisors to the Italian structure, our team played a key role in coordination, analysis, and verification of these criteria to present Bulgaria professionally and convincingly. Key requirements included: - Infrastructure and logistical readiness aligned with the standards of a major international sports event. - Organizational capacity and institutional stability to coordinate multiple state departments, local authorities, security services, and technical experts. - Media and communication readiness to guarantee international visibility and high-quality coverage. - Strategic and tourism potential, including geographical position, cultural heritage, and ability to enhance Bulgaria’s international image.

 

What is the main goal for GGC during these negotiations?

Nikodemo: The main goal was to ensure a sustainable, high-quality, internationally recognized sport event that will ensure the positioning Bulgaria on the map of major global sporting events. For GGC, as advisors to RCS, the priority is to ensure a professional, transparent, and structured framework that guarantees the high standards of “Giro d’Italia.” For Bulgaria, the goal is multi-dimensional: showcasing the country to an international audience, boosting tourism, and strengthening organizational capacity for major events.

What specific benefits do you expect for tourism, economy, and sports in Bulgaria?

Krestiyan: Expected benefits are substantial across several sectors. Tourism will be a primary beneficiary, attracting tens of thousands of spectators, journalists, teams, sponsors, and international delegations. Global TV coverage will present Bulgaria as a modern, dynamic, and attractive European destination, often leading to increased interest in less-known regions. Economically, the event will generate direct and indirect impact through employment, services, hotels, transport, logistics, advertising, production, and enhanced international attention. Sports-wise, it will boost cycling infrastructure, motivate athletes, attract new clubs and sponsors, and demonstrate Bulgaria’s ability to host events of the highest international standard.

How will the route in Bulgaria be chosen, and what factors will determine its final form?

Krestiyan: The route will balance challenge for cyclists and spectacle for viewers. We will engage local communities, producers, and residents to showcase Bulgaria’s cultural heritage, art, cuisine, and social life, which have increasingly attracted global interest. Remember – “Giro d’Italia” is broadcast across five continents to over 700 million viewers, making every turn and street a showcase for the country.

What is your personal feeling and professional satisfaction in bringing “Giro d’Italia” to Bulgaria?

Krestiyan: This is an extremely exciting moment. As a lawyer living and working in both Bulgaria and Italy, I can combine professional experience and knowledge of both markets to ensure the success of a project of this international caliber. The professional satisfaction comes from coordinating complex legal, organizational, and diplomatic processes, allowing Bulgaria to be chosen as host. Personally, it is rewarding to see the country showcasing its cultural heritage, beauty, and capacity to organize a world-class event.

Nikodemo: After living in New York and Milan, this project is especially meaningful for me. Living and working in Bulgaria for years, seeing the country host such a world event is deeply satisfying. Professionally, it is a high-rank project requiring coordination, strategic thinking, and attention to every international detail. I am proud that Go Group Consulting connected the Italian organization with Bulgarian institutions, showing the world Bulgaria’s potential, heritage, and beauty. This is a unique opportunity for the country to shine internationally – and personally, it is an incredible feeling.