The Giro d'Italia in Ticino returns to the international cycling calendar with a stage that will take place entirely within the canton. On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the sixteenth stage will start from Bellinzona and finish in Carì, in the Alta Leventina, at an altitude of 1,644 meters.
The official presentation of the organizational project took place on April 14th at the BancaStato Auditorium, in the presence of cantonal and municipal authorities, as well as representatives of the Stage Committee. The event highlighted not only the sporting aspects, but also the regional and promotional scope of the initiative.
A short but selective path
The Bellinzona–Carì route is 113 kilometers long and features a total elevation gain of approximately 3,000 meters. After an initial stage featuring a circuit in the Bellinzona area, the peloton will tackle two sections of the Torre and Leontica climbs before the final ascent to Carì.
The altimetric profile assigns the stage a four-star rating out of five, with five mountain categorizations distributed along the route. Taking place at the start of the final week of the race, immediately following the third rest day, the stage could have a decisive impact on the overall standings.
Although this is a new addition to the Giro d'Italia, Carì has already hosted finishes for the Tour of Switzerland, confirming the town's cycling vocation. Further technical details are available on the official website:
www.giroditalia.it
The context of the 2026 race
The 109th edition of the Giro d'Italia will take place from May 8th to 31st, comprising 21 stages, covering a total of 3,459 kilometers and approximately 50,000 meters of elevation gain. The start is scheduled for Bulgaria, with the grand finale in Rome.
The route includes seven uphill finishes and an individual time trial of over 40 kilometers, crossing much of the Italian peninsula and crossing into Switzerland with the Ticino stage.
Monuments in pink to celebrate the transition
In view of the Tour of Italy in TicinoSeven iconic locations in the area were illuminated in pink, recalling the race's signature color. These included the Bellinzona Fortress, the Romanesque Santa Petronilla Bridge in Biasca, and the Piumogna waterfall.
The initiative, launched at the end of 2025, will be repeated in the days leading up to the stage, strengthening the link between the sporting event and the local cultural and landscape heritage.
A territory involved in sport and entertainment
A broad program of events will be developed around the stage, spread across several days and locations, with the aim of involving the local population and visitors.
Pink Village in Bellinzona
From May 22nd to 26th, the BancaStato area will host the Pink Village, the heart of public activities. The program includes concerts, DJ sets, and family-friendly events, with a musical offering spanning various genres and decades.
Bike day and hill climb
On Saturday, May 23, the route will also be open to enthusiasts with the GIRO Bike Day. The program includes a popular ride from Biasca to Carì and a competitive time trial from Faido, offering the chance to experience the challenges of the route firsthand.
Events spread throughout the valleys
The towns along the route, including Acquarossa, Aquila, and Leontica, will offer entertainment, live music, and spaces to follow the race on giant screens. The Nara area will also be involved with activities for families and visitors.
The Giro-E and sustainable mobility
Alongside the professional race, Ticino will also host a stage of the Giro-E, the competition for pedal-assist bicycles. The route will follow the final stretch of the official stage, from Biasca to Carì.
The initiative promotes themes related to sustainability and soft mobility, with the participation of teams and guests from various fields, from sport to economics.
Traffic and organization
May 26th will bring traffic changes along the entire route. Road closures will be managed progressively and coordinated between authorities and organizers, with gradual reopenings following the race.
A detailed guide with timetables and detours will be published in the preceding weeks on the official website of the Stage Committee:
www.bellinzona-cari26.ch
Economic impact and international visibility
The return of the Tour of Italy in Ticino It is part of a context of great media and economic importance. According to recent estimates, the event generates an overall impact of billions in the regions involved, with millions of spectators lining the streets and a vast global television audience.
The Ticino stopover therefore represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the attractiveness of Upper Ticino, enhancing its landscapes, infrastructure, and hospitality capacity.
The Stage Committee's invitation is extended to institutions, businesses, and the public: help transform May 26, 2026, into a shared day of sport and participation, capable of leaving a lasting mark on the region.
