Stage 2 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia is an Individual Time Trial raced entirely on wide urban avenues, with connecting U-turns. A short ascent to Sauk in the central part (where split time is taken) will award KOM points. The last 2 km are the same as the previous day’s stage. The final 3 km are flat, with the last 500 m perfectly flat and straight.
The stage unfolds entirely within the city limits of Tirana, the capital of Albania, offering a golden opportunity to discover a dynamic and surprising city.
The heart and natural starting point for any visit is Skanderbeg Square, named after Albania’s national hero. Dominated by a statue of Skanderbeg on horseback, the square is surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of the few religious structures spared during the communist era, known for its intricate frescoes, the National History Museum, which chronicles Albania’s story through artifacts and testimonies, and the 19th-century Clock Tower.
Just a short walk from the square stands the Pyramid of Tirana. Once a mausoleum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, it has since been transformed into a vibrant cultural space. Though controversial, this relic of the communist era has become a favorite spot among local youth, who climb it for sweeping views over the city skyline.
Nearby lies the Pazar i Ri, Tirana’s bazaar. Renovated in 2017, it offers a rich array of fresh local produce—from fruits and vegetables to cheeses, cured meats, and artisan goods. But more than that, it’s a place to witness the city’s authentic spirit and daily rhythm.
One of Tirana’s most captivating attractions is Bunk’Art 1, a former underground bunker turned museum that explores the history of Albania’s communist dictatorship. The immersive exhibits offer a powerful and often chilling view of life under Hoxha’s regime. A similar experience can be found at Bunk’Art 2, located in the city center, which focuses on surveillance and political repression.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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