A second Italian start for the Vuelta a España? Island of Sardinia to make reported multi-million euro offer for 2028 Grand Depart

The Vuelta a España is reportedly considering the island of Sardinia as the host for its Grand Depart in 2028, marking a potential second Italian start within four years. Local media sources indicate that Sardinia is prepared to offer a substantial financial package, estimated at €7.5 million, to secure the opening stages of the race. This move would follow the 2025 Vuelta start in Turin and continue the race’s recent trend of international Grand Departs. Sardinia has a rich history in professional cycling, frequently hosting the Giro d’Italia’s opening stages, most recently in 2017, and running its own stage race, the Giro di Sardegna. The island’s Regional Council is reportedly negotiating the payment in two instalments, with €4 million planned for 2027 and the remaining €3.5 million in 2028. The island also boasts a strong connection to the Vuelta through Fabio Aru, the Sardinian rider who won the race in 2015, highlighting the region’s cycling pedigree. Since its first foreign start in Lisbon in 1997, the Vuelta has increasingly embraced international Grand Departs, including locations such as Nîmes, Utrecht, Assen, and Monaco, which will host the 2024 opening. The 2028 proposal would mark Sardinia’s first Grand Tour start in over a decade, further expanding the race’s footprint beyond Spain. The island has also expressed interest in hosting stages of the Volta a Catalunya, reflecting its cultural ties to Catalonia, although this has yet to materialise. If confirmed, Sardinia’s successful bid would reinforce the growing trend of Grand Tours seeking international venues to kick off their races, driven by both sporting and economic incentives. The multi-million euro investment underscores the island’s ambition to boost its profile in the cycling world and attract tourism. Discussions are ongoing, and the final decision will likely be influenced by broader strategic considerations within the Vuelta’s organising body.