The Giro d'Italia starts with three stages in Albania, but teams face challenges in scouting the routes due to heavy traffic and ongoing roadworks. The hilly 160km opening ride from Durrës to Tirana has forced teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck to conduct reconnaissance by car, deeming biking through Tirana too dangerous. Others, like Wout van Aert's team, described the experience as "hectic". While racing will alleviate traffic issues, concerns remain about road conditions as fresh asphalt was being laid just days before the race, making it uncertain where holes might appear during the event.
We explored it by car. On the way, we were discussing whether we should try it with riders on bikes. Then we saw Astana in the middle of the traffic, and it was suddenly decided we're not going to do it. That was extremely dangerous.
The traffic in Tirana was exactly like in Sicily - in a negative way, which made scouting the route particularly tough for teams.
It's not dramatic everywhere, but it is unpredictable where the holes will appear... It’s not meant as a criticism, but it’s...
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