The Giro d'Italia is only a few weeks away, with Jonas Vingegaard, Joao Almeida, Richard Carapaz, and Filippo Ganna all on the start list – watch it wherever you are with our exclusive Surfshark VPN deals

The 2026 Giro d’Italia is set to begin on Friday, 8 May, marking the first Grand Tour of the cycling season. This edition will start with a unique Grande Partenza in Bulgaria, featuring three stages in the Balkan nation before moving to Italy for the remainder of the race. The event will cover a challenging 3,466 kilometres with nearly 49,000 metres of elevation gain, culminating in a grand finale in Rome on Sunday, 31 May. Among the star-studded lineup are Jonas Vingegaard, Joao Almeida, Richard Carapaz, and Filippo Ganna, with Vingegaard aiming to add the Giro title to his impressive Grand Tour record. Simon Yates, the previous champion, will not defend his title following his retirement earlier this year, opening the field to several contenders. Vingegaard enters the race as the favourite, having already secured three Grand Tour victories, including two Tour de France wins and a Vuelta a España triumph. Other notable riders such as Giulio Pellizzari and Kaden Groves also feature on the start list, promising a competitive and exciting race. The Giro’s demanding route and high-profile participants ensure it will be a highlight of the WorldTour calendar. For fans planning to follow the race from abroad, the article highlights the importance of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-restrictions that can block access to streaming services. Surfshark VPN is recommended as a reliable option, offering various subscription plans with significant discounts and additional security features. Beyond enabling uninterrupted race coverage, VPNs provide essential online security benefits, such as protecting privacy on public Wi-Fi and safeguarding sensitive data during travel. The piece also provides practical advice for those unfamiliar with VPN technology, explaining its legal and legitimate uses, particularly for accessing content while overseas and enhancing online safety. While the deals mentioned are primarily aimed at US customers, the article notes that Surfshark offers pricing tailored to different regions and currencies. As the Giro approaches, ensuring seamless access to live coverage will be crucial for fans keen to keep up with the action throughout this prestigious cycling event.