The start of the Giro d'Italia from Bulgaria will boost both tourism and the development of cycling as a sport, said one of Bulgaria's most titled cyclists, Nenko Stajkov, in an interview with BTA. He will be among the guests at the race's beginning, which will take place with the Nesebar-Burgas stage on May 8.
Stajkov, who has been in cycling for around 22-23 years, started as a young adult and had a successful career, participating in the 1980 Moscow Olympics with the Bulgarian team. Reflecting on his career, he says that all achievements are special, but the sixth place at the Olympics is particularly valuable, as they were in contention for a medal.
The World Cycling Race, a significant event for amateur cyclists, saw many future professionals competing, including Italians, Belgians, Dutch, and French cyclists. Stajkov won two stages and wore the gold jersey twice in the World Cycling Race, finishing second overall. He notes that while he won a stage early in his career, he ultimately lost the race due to a referee's decision.
Stajkov has won several major races, including the Tour of Turkey, and has won the Tour of Bulgaria three times, in 1978, 1980, and 1984. He emphasizes that winning the Tour of Bulgaria is a significant achievement that not all participants can claim.
Training in Varna in the past involved cycling along roads to Balchik and Kranovo, but he argues that such training today would be impractical and dangerous due to increased traffic.
Stajkov also discusses the major cycling races globally, highlighting the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España. He considers the Giro d'Italia particularly unique due to its mountainous stages.
He is proud of Bulgaria hosting the first three stages of the Giro d'Italia in 2026, noting its importance for tourism and encouraging young people to take up sports. Stajkov also emphasizes the benefits of cycling for discipline and personal development.
Stajkov will attend the race's start in Burgas and participate in planned initiatives in Sofia, including a cycling tour ending at the National Assembly.
In April, the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency launched a new section dedicated to Bulgaria's role as the host for the first three stages of the Giro d'Italia, which will take place from May 8 to 10, 2026.
