https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/rss Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:08:35 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1104141-bulgaria-women-s-tennis-team-defeats-cyprus-to-earn-promotion-to-billie-jean-kin https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1104141-bulgaria-women-s-tennis-team-defeats-cyprus-to-earn-promotion-to-billie-jean-kin Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:46:00 +0300 The Bulgaria women’s national tennis team secured promotion to Group I of the Billie Jean King Cup after defeating Cyprus 2-0 in the final playoff of the tournament, held in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Elizara Yaneva delivered a dominant performance in the second singles match, beating Andrea Papakyriakou 6–0, 6–2 in just 44 minutes. In the opening match, Rositsa Dencheva defeated Nina Andronikou 7–6(4), 6–3. Prior to the final, the Bulgarian team recorded four more convincing victories to comfortably finish first in preliminary Group B. They secured wins against South Africa, Morocco, North Macedonia, and Egypt. Bulgaria competed with a squad consisting of Elizara Yaneva (world No. 229, age 19), Denislava Glushkova (No. 420, age 22), Lidia Encheva (No. 450, age 19), and Rositsa Dencheva (No. 507, age 19), giving the team an average age of just over 20. The team is captained by Magdalena Maleeva, with Mihail Atanasov serving as assistant coach. Sport Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103905-bulgaria-to-compete-with-24-wrestlers-at-european-championships-in-tirana https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103905-bulgaria-to-compete-with-24-wrestlers-at-european-championships-in-tirana Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:59:00 +0300 Bulgaria will participate with 24 wrestlers at the European Wrestling Championships in Tirana, Albania, starting April 20, the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation announced after final selection bouts. In freestyle wrestling, Bulgaria will compete in all 10 weight categories. Notable names include Shamil Mamedov, who will make his debut at a major championship after winning the Dan Kolov tournament, Mikyay Naim (European runner-up in 2023), Mihail Georgiev (gold belt winner this season), Akhmed Magamaev (fifth in the world in 2025), and U23 European champion Alen Khubulov. In Greco-Roman wrestling, Kiril Milov will defend his European title at 97 kg after defeating Armenia’s Artur Aleksanyan last season. Olympic champion Semen Novikov will compete at 87 kg, while Abu-Muslim Amaev (67 kg) returns after finishing second in Europe last year. Bulgaria will not have a representative only in the 130 kg category. Five Bulgarian women will also compete. The most experienced is Bilyana Dudova (62 kg), a world champion and four-time European champion. Daniela Brasnarova replaces injured Yuliana Yaneva at 68 kg, while Vanessa Georgieva will compete at 76 kg. Young prospects Olga Popova (57 kg) and Viktoria Boynova (59 kg) are also included.  The championship draw will take place on April 19. The competition begins with Greco-Roman wrestling, followed by women’s events on Wednesday and freestyle on Friday.  Sport Metodi Yordanov Atanas Vassilev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103551-caretaker-sports-minister-honours-aleksandar-vezenkov-ahead-of-euroleague-game-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103551-caretaker-sports-minister-honours-aleksandar-vezenkov-ahead-of-euroleague-game-i Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:42:53 +0300 Caretaker Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev presented a special award to Bulgaria's two-time Sportsperson of the Year Aleksandar Vezenkov ahead of the EuroLeague regular-season game between his club Olympiacos and Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv at Arena 8888 in Sofia. The award recognizes Vezenkov's outstanding achievements and his contribution to promoting basketball internationally. His appearance on home soil drew strong interest, with around 10,000 spectators attending the game, which tipped off at 7:30 p.m. Sport Yoanna Vodenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103044-bulgarian-taekwondo-athletes-win-12-titles-and-29-medals-at-skopje-open-ramus-20 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1103044-bulgarian-taekwondo-athletes-win-12-titles-and-29-medals-at-skopje-open-ramus-20 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:17 +0300 Bulgarian taekwondo athletes won a total of 29 medals (12 gold, 7 silver and 10 bronze) across different age categories at the G1/E1-ranked Skopje Open Ramus 2026 tournament. More than 1,200 competitors from 41 countries took part in the event organized in the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia by Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation Vice President Dimitar Mihaylov. A team of refugees also participated in the competition. In the men's events, Hristiyan Georgiev claimed the title in the -54 kg category. Among the juniors, gold medals were won by Bulgaria's Maria Stoeva (49 kg), Denislav Dobrinov (59 kg), Yordan Angelov (68 kg), Yordan Terziyski (73 kg) and Andi Vladimirov (78 kg). In the cadet division, the winners in their respective categories were Dancho Petkov (33 kg), Nikol Petrova (37 kg), Boris Klecharov (41 kg), Vladislav Krastev (49 kg) and Viktoria Kulisheva (51 kg). In the overall team standings, Bulgarian cadets TK Neron finished in first place, while TK Ahil ranked third. In the juniors, Bulgaria's TK Gladiator secured third place. Sport Diana Dukovska Dimitar Velyov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1102214-bulgarian-boxers-bring-home-three-bronze-medals-from-great-silk-road-tournament- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1102214-bulgarian-boxers-bring-home-three-bronze-medals-from-great-silk-road-tournament- Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:01:17 +0300 Bulgarian boxers secured three bronze medals at the prestigious Great Silk Road Tournament held in Baku, Azerbaijan. They competed against more than 120 fighters from three continents. Bronze medals were won by Victorio Iliev (65 kg), Semyon Boldirev (90 kg), and Kiril Georgiev (+90 kg). Yasen Radev (60 kg) was forced to withdraw before the semifinals due to a severe cut, cutting short his campaign. The Bulgarian Boxing Federation was also represented by Executive Director Svetoslav Sapundzhiev, who served as a technical delegate. Referee Maria Kavaklieva once again stood out with precise and timely officiating both in and around the ring. The tournament served as part of Bulgaria’s preparations for the upcoming Boxing World Cup in Foz do Iguacu, scheduled for April 20–26. The event is crucial for accumulating ranking points on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Bulgaria’s squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced next week, with the team set to depart for Brazil on April 16. Sport Kremena Mladenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101519-bta-hosts-press-conference-dedicated-to-bulgarian-leg-of-giro-d-italia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101519-bta-hosts-press-conference-dedicated-to-bulgarian-leg-of-giro-d-italia Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:20:00 +0300 The BTA National Press Club in Sofia hosted on Tuesday a press conference dedicated to the three Bulgarian stages of the Giro d'Italia, which will be taking place between May 8 and 10. BTA will cover the competition in its new section, Giro d'Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria. It is not just a sports competition but a chance for 700 million-plus spectators from nearly 200 countries to enjoy, for the first time in the history of Giro d'Italia, Bulgaria's cultural heritage "on the move". Early in the year, the outgoing Cabinet allocated funding in two tranches for the organization and holding of the cycling race in Bulgaria: EUR 8.6 million in February and EUR 15 million in January. Bulgaria joined an international initiative titled Illuminations. Officially included in the communication strategy of the event, the campaign envisaged illuminating in pink (the signature colour of Giro d'Italia and of the legendary Maglia Rosa or pink jersey) iconic cultural and historical sites in the host cities. Within the framework of the initiative, five landmarks were illuminated on January 28, 2026 (100 days before the start of the race): the fortress walls of the Ancient City in Nessebar, the Burgas pier in Burgas, the Tsarevets Citadel in Veliko Tarnovo, the Velodrome in Plovdiv, and the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The illuminated sites featured in TV coverage, on digital platforms, social media and tourist campaigns on the eve of the start of the race. At the press conference, caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports Dimitar Iliev said that Bulgaria views its hosting of the opening three stages of the Giro as a major opportunity to promote tourism and encourage greater sports participation. He stressed the importance of using the event to inspire young people to take up cycling and lead more active lifestyles. Safety of competitors will be the top priority, he added, noting that cyclists can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and require carefully secured routes. Caretaker Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva reported that international experience shows that hosting stages of the race leads to a significant increase in tourist interest in the country, boosts destination recognition, and creates long-term economic benefits for local communities. In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism is implementing a targeted and integrated communication campaign aimed at promoting Bulgaria as an attractive destination for sports, culture, and experiential tourism. The campaign includes strategic partnerships with international media, Bulgarian public media, an active digital presence, and the creation of high-quality visual content showcasing the richness of Bulgaria's nature, cultural and historical heritage, and opportunities for tourism. Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said that hosting three stages of the Giro is an event of great importance not only for sports but also for tourism and the country's international image. He reported that a rich programme has been prepared that includes cycling parades for children, cultural events, and stage performances. On May 9, on the occasion of Europe Day, a cycling parade with pink jerseys will be organized together with ambassadors of European Union Member States. Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov said that his city will build a bridge between culture and sports during the Giro. Minutes before the start on May 10, a procession will set off from the Roman Stadium, featuring cultural figures from the city – representatives of the Trakia Ensemble, actors from the Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre, as well as students from the school for stage arts. The procession will end at Central Square, where the race will begin. Among the accompanying events are a concert by the State Opera – Plovdiv at the Ancient Theatre, as well as a wine festival in the Old Town. Veliko Tarnovo Deputy Mayor Georgi Nedev said that his city is ready to welcome the Giro. Preparations are still ongoing for the various accompanying events related to welcoming the competitors. Repairs on the main sections of the race route are continuing, including in the area around the Tsarevets Fortress and at the entrance to Veliko Tarnovo from the direction of Lyaskovets. Nessebar Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov reported that Nessebar Municipality will kick off the tourist season in a unique way with the world-class international race, which will start from the UNESCO World Heritage city on May 8. Nessebar has prepared a programme for May 7 featuring festive and folklore events and a series of activities to welcome its guests. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev told the news conference that BTA will also offer articles about Bulgarian cycling clubs and competitions, cycling infrastructure and bicycle manufacturing in Bulgaria. BTA will cover the race itself, so viewers will learn the overall winner of the Italian stage, thanks to BTA's partnership with Italy's national news agency, ANSA. BTA Deputy Director General Evgenia Drumeva highlighted the map showing the three stages of the race in Bulgaria as one of the most interesting features of BTA's new section. She said BTA searched its archives for photographs related to cultural and historical heritage sites along the route of the cycling race, as well as beautiful natural landmarks in these regions of Bulgaria. Drumeva noted that around 100 BTA staff are expected to be involved in covering the Giro d'Italia event in Bulgaria. BTA Sports News Director Dimitar Velyov said that hosting the opening stages of the Giro d'Italia in 2026 will be one of the most prestigious sporting events ever held in Bulgaria. He highlighted the race's massive international reach, with hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide and over 100 million expected to watch the three stages in Bulgaria alone. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova said that BNT will will air all three stages of the Giro on its specialized sports channel, BNT 3, while BNT 1 will feature live segments at the start and finish of each stage. She also announced plans for interviews with cycling experts, mayors, and representatives of local communities. Milen Mitev, Director General of Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), emphasized the crucial role of public media in the success of Bulgaria's hosting of the Giro. BNR will dedicate a special segment in its morning programme to the cycling tour. Bulgarian Cycling Federation President Aleksandar Aleksiev said that the start of the Giro d'Italia in Bulgaria will be a celebration for the country's entire cycling community. He urged the public to turn out and support the race, stressing the global scale of the event and the opportunity for Bulgaria to showcase its ability to host major competitions. Nikolay Videnov, secretary of the Association of Bicycle Producers in Bulgaria, reported that Bulgaria ranks third or fourth in Europe in terms of bicycle production volume. The country is behind Germany and Italy and close to Portugal. Sport Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101487-grigor-dimitrov-set-to-drop-out-of-top-100-for-first-time-in-14-years https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101487-grigor-dimitrov-set-to-drop-out-of-top-100-for-first-time-in-14-years Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:11:47 +0300 Bulgaria’s top tennis player, Grigor Dimitrov, is set to fall outside the world’s top 130 in the men’s singles ATP rankings after losing his first-round match at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The 34-year-old Dimitrov was defeated 4-6, 6-2, 3-6 by Argentine player Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a match lasting one hour and 57 minutes. As a result, Dimitrov failed to defend the ranking points he earned in 2025, when he reached the quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, and is expected to drop by at least 42 spots in the ATP rankings. The last time the Bulgarian was outside the world’s top 100 was in March 2012. He has not been ranked outside the top 130 since 2010, when he was still a teenager. Sport Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101300-bulgaria-among-four-largest-producers-of-bicycles-in-europe https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101300-bulgaria-among-four-largest-producers-of-bicycles-in-europe Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:49:02 +0300 Nikolay Videnov, secretary of the Association of Bicycle Producers in Bulgaria, expressed hope at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on Tuesday that hosting the Giro d'Italia would serve as an incentive for Bulgarians to take up cycling and recognize the bicycle as a primary means of commuting to work and to a healthy lifestyle. At a press conference dedicated to presenting BTA's Giro d’Italia 2026 - Cycling in Bulgaria column, he said that the goal is for Bulgaria to become an attractive market for its own production of bicycles. Videnov reported that Bulgaria ranks third or fourth in Europe in terms of bicycle production volume. The country ranks immediately after Germany and Italy and is close to Portugal. During peak years, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, factories in Bulgaria produced nearly 1 million bicycles annually. A major portion of current production is focused on electric bicycles, which are in high demand in Germany, the Netherlands and other Northern European markets. Videnov noted that the industry is almost entirely focused on foreign markets, as the domestic market in Bulgaria is still not large enough.  Participating in the event at the BTA Press Club were also government ministers, representatives of the local authorities, sports and sectoral organizations, and public media organizations. This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route divided in three stages goes through natural and cultural landmarks. The first section is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9, and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026. Sport Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101140-giro-d-italia-2026-cycling-in-bulgaria-bta-presents-new-section https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101140-giro-d-italia-2026-cycling-in-bulgaria-bta-presents-new-section Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:54:00 +0300 The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is presenting Tuesday a new section, Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria, focused on coverage of the three Bulgarian stages of the Giro, which will be taking place May 8-10, 2026. BTA Director General Kiril Valchev told a news conference in the BTA National Press Club that the section will also offer articles about Bulgarian cycling clubs and competitions, cycling infrastructure and bicycle manufacturing in Bulgaria.  He underscored the importance of the BTA archive, which dates back to the 1898 and offers a lot of information about the traditions of cycling in Bulgaria.  Participating in the Tuesday news conference were all 33 BTA national press clubs, the BTA correspondents across the country, the Sport News Department and the mayors of settlements along the Giro route in Bulgaria, said Valchev. In Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria, BTA will cover the race itself - viewers will even see the overall winner of the Italian stage, thanks to BTA’s partnership with Italy’s national news agency, ANSA. The section will also showcase Bulgaria, highlighting the towns and regions along the race route. "However, the Giro d’Italia is really just a starting point for a permanent platform across all BTA correspondents in the country - Cycling in Bulgaria - covering cycling events, races, clubs, bike routes, the country’s cycling infrastructure, and bicycle manufacturing, while drawing on BTA’s rich archives," said the BTA Director General. He emphasized the importance of partnering with colleagues from Bulgarian National Television and Bulgarian National Radio, and noted that BTA will provide content for all private media. "Unlike colleagues in the competitive advertising market, our content is freely accessible; we do not seek advertising," Valchev reminded. The BTA Director General highlighted that the Bulgarian Cycling Union began its history in Ruse as early as 1902 - nearly as long as BTA itself, which was founded in 1898, he added. Another focus of the new section will be bicycle manufacturing in Bulgaria, he said. BTA archives hold a photo of the first bicycle produced between 1880–1882 in Nova Zagora, then part of Eastern Rumelia, by Geno 'Arabadjiata' Stoyanov. He also noted that the iconic Balkan bicycle remains a well-remembered symbol. During the presentation of the new section, BTA screened a two-minute film on the history of cycling and bicycle manufacturing in Bulgaria, as well as a BTA initiative for a cycling tour from Sofia to Karlovo dedicated to the anniversary of the birth of national hero Vasil Levski. Participating in the event at BTA were also Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva, Sport Minister Dimitar Iliev, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, Bulgarian National Television Director General Milena Milotinova, Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev, representatives of the local authorities, sport and sectoral organizations.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101275-giro-d-italia-launch-in-bulgaria-seen-as-major-boost-for-national-cycling-commun https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101275-giro-d-italia-launch-in-bulgaria-seen-as-major-boost-for-national-cycling-commun Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:50:48 +0300 The start of the Giro d’Italia in Bulgaria will be a celebration for the country’s entire cycling community, Bulgarian Cycling Federation President Aleksandar Aleksiev said, expressing hope the event will boost the sport’s popularity and attract new sponsors.  Speaking at a Bulgarian News Agency press conference, presenting a new section, Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria, Aleksiev urged the public to turn out and support the race, stressing the global scale of the event and the opportunity for Bulgaria to showcase its ability to host major competitions. He said the three opening stages in Bulgaria could inspire more children to take up cycling and encourage greater interest in local clubs.  Aleksiev also pointed to ongoing challenges with cycling infrastructure, noting that while some progress has been made, many bike lanes remain poorly designed and fragmented, discouraging everyday use. He added that the federation has rarely been consulted on infrastructure planning.  Sport Metodi Yordanov Georgi Krumov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101272-national-radio-head-underscores-crucial-role-of-public-media-for-successful-host https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101272-national-radio-head-underscores-crucial-role-of-public-media-for-successful-host Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:45:31 +0300 Milen Mitev, Director General of Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), emphasized the crucial role of public media in the success of Bulgaria’s hosting of the Giro d’Italia stages. He stressed that the event is an "undeniable opportunity" for the country, whose success "largely depends on an effective communication campaign". Mitev was speaking at a press conference in the BTA National Press Club in Sofia, where the national news agency unveiled a new a section on the Giro, Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria. The BNR Director General announced that the broadcaster will dedicate a special segment in its morning block - the most popular BNR programme - entirely to the cycling tour. Information will also be shared through other shows. BNR will offer Giro-related practical information: will cover road closures and race routes, as well as details on how people can attend the stages, the best viewing spots, parking, and ways to participate live in the event. Also, it will seek to promote cycling as an accessible sport and part of healthy living - and culture and tourism, highlighting the history and culture of the areas along the race route. Mitev noted that BNR can provide additional value, specifically for drivers, offering real-time updates on the race and traffic conditions. Participating in the event at the BTA Press Club were also government ministers, representatives of the local authorities, sport and sectoral organization, and public media organizations.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101255-bnt-3-to-air-full-bulgarian-stage-of-the-giro https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101255-bnt-3-to-air-full-bulgarian-stage-of-the-giro Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:32:00 +0300 The Bulgarian National Television (BNT) will air all three stages of the Giro d’Italia 2026 (May 8, 9, and 10) on its specialized sports channel, BNT 3, the broadcaster's Director General Milena Milotinova said here Tuesday. She was speaking at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club where BTA presented a new section focused on the Italian cycling tour, Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria. BNT 1 will feature live segments at the start and finish of each stage, included in regular programs and news bulletins. The broadcaster will set up temporary studios in each of the host cities: Nessebar, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv and Sofia. Reports and interviews will also be available on the media’s digital platforms, including bntnews.bg, bnt.bg, and on social media. In addition to studio hosts, reporters will be positioned close to the peloton to convey the live atmosphere. Milotinova said that one to two weeks before the start of the event, BNT will launch a public information campaign. A key focus will be explaining the race routes and street closure schedules in the respective municipalities to facilitate citizens’ movement. The Director General also announced plans for interviews with cycling experts, mayors, and representatives of local communities. Milotinova stressed that the event is of great importance for promoting Bulgarian tourist destinations to an international audience and supporting the local economy. She highlighted BNT’s significant online influence, noting that bntnews.bg receives around 5.7 million views and 3 million active users per month, while bnt.bg sees approximately 3.4 million views and nearly 900,000 active users. Milotinova also pointed to opportunities to engage younger audiences through BNT’s active presence on TikTok - with over 1 million video views - and Instagram, aiming to spark interest in cycling and the event in Bulgaria. Participating in the press conference at the BTA Press Club were government ministers, representatives of local authorities, sports and sector organizations, and public media representatives. This year, Bulgaria will host the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Giro d’Italia. The route passes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided into three stages: from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9, and from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026. Sport Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101246-giro-d-italia-start-in-bulgaria-among-most-prestigious-events-in-country-s-histo https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101246-giro-d-italia-start-in-bulgaria-among-most-prestigious-events-in-country-s-histo Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:19:00 +0300 Hosting the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia in 2026 will be one of the most prestigious sporting events ever held in Bulgaria, BTA Sports News Director Dimitar Velyov said, pledging extensive coverage to promote the country globally. Speaking at the launch of a dedicated BTA section, Velyov highlighted the race’s massive international reach, with hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide and over 100 million expected to watch the three stages in Bulgaria alone. More than 180 elite cyclists from 23 teams, along with over 3,000 staff, officials and organizers, are set to take part. The Bulgarian route - around 550 km - will pass through major cultural and natural landmarks, including Nessebar, the Black Sea coast, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv and Sofia. Hundreds of foreign journalists are expected for the “Grande Partenza,” alongside large-scale TV production teams. Velyov said BTA will have more than 30 journalists, photographers and technical staff along the route to cover both the race and Bulgaria’s tourism potential, aiming to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience. This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026. Sport https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101214-bta-compiled-map-shows-stages-of-bulgarian-leg-of-giro-d-italia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101214-bta-compiled-map-shows-stages-of-bulgarian-leg-of-giro-d-italia Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0300 On Tuesday, the Deputy Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Evgenia Drumeva, highlighted among the most interesting features of BTA's new section, "Giro d'Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria", the map showing the three stages of the race in Bulgaria. The section is available in both Bulgarian and English and is already live on BTA's website, said Drumeva at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club in the capital. She noted that over 30 news items in Bulgarian have already been published in the new section. She reminded attendees that the Giro d'Italia has an audience of more than 700 million people in over 200 countries. She said BTA searched its archives for photographs related to cultural and historical heritage sites along the route of the cycling race, as well as beautiful natural landmarks in these regions of Bulgaria. She thanked colleagues from the historical and photo archives and the photo editors, who quickly located the images, although the digitization of BTA's archives is still in progress and much manual searching was needed. Drumeva also expressed her gratitude to the agency's English Service for adapting the texts specifically for an international audience, to generate greater interest in the country. Drumeva noted that around 100 BTA staff are expected to be involved in covering the Giro d'Italia event in Bulgaria. This includes over 70 correspondents from across the country, with a focus on the towns and settlements through which the race passes. She noted that detailed reports will be produced on bicycle manufacturing in Bulgaria, the current network of cycle lanes in towns across the country, cycling-related sports clubs and facilities, and all upcoming local events associated with the race in Bulgaria. Participating in the press conference were also government ministers, representatives of the local authorities, sport and sectoral organization, and public media organizations.  Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza, the opening stage of the Italian cycling tour Giro d'Italia. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10. Sport Valentin Evstatiev Ekaterina Toteva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101202-nessebar-mayor-says-municipality-has-taken-all-necessary-steps-regarding-organiz https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101202-nessebar-mayor-says-municipality-has-taken-all-necessary-steps-regarding-organiz Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:08:00 +0300 Nessebar Municipality will kick off the tourist season in a unique way with the world-class international race Giro d’Italia, which will start from the UNESCO World Heritage city on May 8 with the first stage of the cycling race, Nessebar Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov said in a video address broadcast on Tuesday, at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia, where BTA’s new section "Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria" was presented. "The residents of the municipality and we, as municipal leadership, are eagerly awaiting this international competition," Dimitrov said. "The Municipality of Nessebar has held many meetings, we recently spoke with Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev and the coordinating committee," he added that all organizational preparations have been completed. "We have prepared a program for May 7 featuring festive and folklore events and a series of activities to welcome our guests," Dimitrov said, adding that thousands of tourists are expected, who will be accommodated in hotels in the area. On May 7, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled in honour of Monsignor Angelo Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, who is described as a great friend of Nessebar, born in the province of Bergamo, Italy, the mayor added. In the evening, there will be a large concert on the fortress walls, titled BTR and Friends, and the walls of the old town will be illuminated in pink. Dimitrov added that the construction of the bike path within the municipality was intended to be used for such events. The official start of the Giro d’Italia race will be on May 8, and there will be a ceremonial lap around the city of Nessebar, Dimitrov added. He said that Nessebar has already been visited by Italian journalists, who filmed footage of the city. Sport Risida Dimitrova BTA correspondent Galya Teneva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101222-bulgaria-sees-giro-d-italia-start-as-chance-to-boost-tourism-and-sport https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101222-bulgaria-sees-giro-d-italia-start-as-chance-to-boost-tourism-and-sport Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:32 +0300 Bulgaria views its hosting of the opening three stages of the Giro d’Italia in May 2026 as a major opportunity to promote tourism and encourage greater sports participation, caretaker Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev said.  Speaking at the launch of a Bulgarian News Agency's section dedicated to the event, Iliev said the race - one of the world’s top cycling competitions with a global audience of over 190 countries - will showcase the country’s landscape and attract international visitors.  He stressed the importance of using the event to inspire young people to take up cycling and lead more active lifestyles, highlighting sport’s role in improving public health and preventing risky behaviour.  Iliev said coordination between national institutions, local authorities and organizers is progressing well, with municipalities and state bodies working closely on preparations, including infrastructure and event planning.  Safety of competitors will be the top priority, he added, noting that cyclists can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and require carefully secured routes. On costs, Iliev said the widely cited figure of EUR 15 million covers only the Italian organizers, with total expenses higher, but expressed confidence that Bulgaria will stay below initial budget projections. A full financial report will be released after the event.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Metodi Yordanov Kremena Mladenova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101206-veliko-tarnovo-ready-to-welcome-giro-d-italia-says-deputy-mayor https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101206-veliko-tarnovo-ready-to-welcome-giro-d-italia-says-deputy-mayor Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:45:18 +0300 We are ready to welcome the Giro d’Italia in Veliko Tarnovo and hope everything will be “rosy,” said Deputy Mayor Georgi Nedev in a live appearance during a Bulgarian News Agency's press conference at the National Press Club in Sofia. The event presented the new section “Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria,” dedicated to Bulgaria’s hosting of three stages of the Giro d’Italia from May 8 to 10.  Georgi Nedev, Deputy Mayor for Sports, Youth Activities, Tourism and Demographic Policies at Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, said that all necessary organizational work so far has been completed. Preparations are still actively ongoing for the various accompanying events related to welcoming the competitors in Veliko Tarnovo. Working groups have already been set up with sports clubs, particularly those connected with cycling. There will be several locations with stages and different performers. Many local ensembles have been invited to take part, and a cycling parade will also be held.  Nedev added that repairs on the main sections of the race route are continuing, including in the area around the Tsarevets Fortress and at the entrance to Veliko Tarnovo from the direction of Lyaskovets.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Metodi Yordanov BTA correspondent Nikolay Venkov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101205-hosting-giro-d-italia-stages-is-crucial-for-tourism-and-bulgaria-s-image-sofia- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101205-hosting-giro-d-italia-stages-is-crucial-for-tourism-and-bulgaria-s-image-sofia- Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:42:26 +0300 Hosting three stages of the Giro d’Italia in Bulgaria in May 2026 is an event of great importance not only for sport, but also for tourism and the country’s international image, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said here Tuesday. He was speaking at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia during a presentation of BTA’s new section, Giro d’Italia 2026 – By Bike in Bulgaria, dedicated to Bulgaria hosting three stages of the Tour of Italy from May 8 to 10. The Sofia Mayor thanked BTA for its efforts to cover such a significant event, "which goes far beyond sport". "It is very important for the development of tourism in Bulgaria and for each of our cities," Terziev said. He expressed hope that the event would become another celebration for Sofia. Terziev also said that a rich programme has been prepared for all ages, including cycling parades for children, cultural events, and stage performances. He explained that on May 9, on the occasion of Europe Day, a cycling parade with pink jerseys will be organized together with ambassadors of European Union member states. "We want to inspire the younger generation and show how important the development of cycling sport is in our country, as well as how important it is to look toward alternative modes of transportation, which we aim to develop in Sofia," Terziev said. The mayor noted that the culmination will be on May 10, when the third stage of the race finishes in Sofia. He added that information about the programme and events related to Giro d’Italia 2026 will be published on the website giro2026.visitsofia.bg. According to him, the first buses and trams featuring the symbols and mascot of Giro d’Italia can already be seen on the streets of Sofia. "I hope many Sofia residents will take part in this celebration and that we will showcase the very best of our city and of Bulgaria, because it will be watched by hundreds of millions and will have many long-lasting positive effects on the city and the country," Terziev added. Participating in the event at the BTA Press Club were also government ministers, representatives of the local authorities, sport and sectoral organization, and public media organizations.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Nikoleta Vasileva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101195-plovdiv-to-bridge-culture-and-sport-during-giro-d-italia-2026-cycling-in-bulga https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101195-plovdiv-to-bridge-culture-and-sport-during-giro-d-italia-2026-cycling-in-bulga Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:37:11 +0300 Plovdiv will create a bridge between culture and sport during “Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria,” said Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov at the presentation of the Bulgarian News Agency's new section dedicated to Bulgaria’s hosting of three stages of the Giro d’Italia cycling race, which will take place from May 8 to 10, 2026.  The Mayor recalled that in 2019 Plovdiv was a European Capital of Culture. The city is currently applying to become a European Capital of Sport in 2028. According to him, it is important to use this event to showcase Plovdiv’s potential.  Minutes before the start on May 10, at 1:00 p.m., a procession will set off from the Roman Stadium, featuring cultural figures from the city – representatives of the Trakia Ensemble, actors from the Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre, as well as students from the school for stage arts. The procession will end at Central Square, where the race will begin.  Immediately after the start of the race, a cycling parade will begin, which traditionally marks the opening of the cycling season in Plovdiv. It usually attracts around 1,500 to 2,000 cyclists, the Mayor noted.  Among the accompanying events are a concert by the State Opera – Plovdiv at the Ancient Theatre, as well as a wine festival in the Old Town. A national crafts exhibition will be opened in the Archaeological Underpass.  “We will warm up the audience the day before with a concert at Central Square and numerous art installations. We are ready for Giro d’Italia,” Kostadin Dimitrov concluded. This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport BTA correspondent Tanya Blagova Metodi Yordanov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101162-tourism-minister-perfect-opportunity-for-new-narrative-about-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1101162-tourism-minister-perfect-opportunity-for-new-narrative-about-bulgaria Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:02:00 +0300 Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva believes that BTA’s new section, Giro d’Italia 2026 – Cycling in Bulgaria, is a perfect opportunity for a new narrative about Bulgaria - one that reaches far beyond its borders. "Hosting this event is an opportunity that we will use strategically so that Bulgaria can be seen, experienced, and remembered. That is precisely why we believe that the section "Giro d’Italia – Cycling in Bulgaria" is an excellent opportunity for this," she said at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club, where the new BTA section was presented. Georgieva wished success for the BTA project "as well as to the race and to everything that will emerge from it". She pointed out that BTA’s section will be one of the voices of the race, and through it the routes, nature, culture, people, and spirit of Bulgaria will be showcased. We will tell stories that endure and inspire people to want to share them. Because today, tourism is not measured only in kilometers and overnight stays—it is measured in experiences and emotions, the minister commented. According to her, this will be a narrative about Bulgaria that combines tradition and modernity - a story that shows not only where we are, but who we are. Georgieva noted that international experience shows that hosting stages of the race leads to a significant increase in tourist interest in the country, boosts destination recognition, and creates long-term economic benefits for local communities. In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism is implementing a targeted and integrated communication campaign aimed at promoting Bulgaria as an attractive destination for sports, culture, and experiential tourism, Georgieva said. She explained that the campaign includes strategic partnerships with international media, Bulgarian public media, an active digital presence, and the creation of high-quality visual content showcasing the richness of Bulgaria’s nature, cultural and historical heritage, and opportunities for active tourism. The overall goal of the institutions is for Bulgaria to demonstrate its diversity and establish itself as a welcoming host at a global level, Georgieva added. Participating in the event were also government ministers, representatives of the local authorities, sport and sectoral organization, and public media organizations.  This year, Bulgaria will be hosting the Grande Partenza - the opening stage - of the Italian cycling tour. The route goes by natural and cultural landmarks, divided in three stages. The first is from Nessebar to Burgas on May 8, the second from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo on May 9 and the third is from Plovdiv to Sofia on May 10, 2026.  Sport Ekaterina Toteva