Cycling: 2025 Giro d'Italia - Tour of Italy
2025-05-09 - 2025-06-01 | Italy, Italy
Taking place from 9 May to 1 June, the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia is an annual multiple-stage cycling race primarily held in Italy, while also passing through other countries. The Giro is one of professional cycling’s three-week-long Grand Tours, and after the Tour de France is the second most important stage race in the world.
Spanning over 3,400km, this Grand Tour will challenge riders with a mix of flat stages, individual time trials, and formidable mountain ascents.
Marking a historic first, the 2025 Giro will commence in Albania. The opening stage features a medium-mountain route between Durrës and Tirana, setting the tone for an unpredictable race. The second day presents an individual time trial within Tirana, offering early opportunities for time gains. The Albanian leg concludes with a mountainous stage around Vlorë, introducing riders to challenging ascents early in the competition.
Upon returning to Italy, the race traverses various regions, blending flat stages suitable for sprinters with arduous mountain stages that will test the general classification contenders. Notable ascents include the legendary Mortirolo, Monte Grappa, Colle delle Finestre, and Sestriere. These climbs are expected to be pivotal in shaping the overall standings.
The final week is laden with high-mountain stages, particularly in the Aosta Valley, where riders will face relentless elevation gains. Stage 19, culminating in Champoluc, and Stage 20, featuring the grueling ascents of Finestre and Sestriere, are anticipated to be decisive in the battle for the Maglia Rosa.
The race concludes in Rome with a flat stage, offering sprinters a last opportunity for glory against the backdrop of the city’s historic monuments.
See more at giroditalia.it

2025 French Open Roland-Garros – tennis grand slam
2025-05-19 - 2025-06-08 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, 75016, France
The French Open, held annually at Roland-Garros in Paris, is the second of the four grand slam tennis tournaments and the premier clay court event in the world. Taking place in 2025 from 19 May to 8 June, it is renowned for its gruelling matches, unique playing surface, and storied history.
Founded in 1891, the French Open has produced some of the sport’s most legendary moments and champions. Rafael Nadal, often referred to as the “King of Clay”, holds the record for the most men’s singles titles at Roland Garros, having won the tournament an astonishing 14 times. Nadal’s dominance at the French Open has become one of tennis’s most iconic storylines, as the slow clay surface perfectly complements his physical and grinding style of play. On the women’s side, players like Chris Evert and Justine Henin have enjoyed similar success on the red clay.
The tournament’s most famous court, Court Philippe-Chatrier, has undergone modern renovations, including the addition of a retractable roof, allowing play to continue during rain, a frequent occurrence in Paris. The clay surface presents unique challenges, as it slows down the ball and creates higher bounces, favouring baseline players who excel at topspin shots. Sliding on the clay is also an essential skill, making movement and endurance key aspects of the game.
The French Open is also unique for its cultural charm, with a distinct Parisian flair that blends sport and elegance. Fans are treated to world-class tennis while enjoying the beauty of Paris in late spring, creating a quintessentially French experience that attracts millions of viewers and visitors every year. For players and fans alike, winning at Roland-Garros remains one of the highest honours in tennis.
For event information and hotels see:

Official website and tickets: rolandgarros.com
Hotels in Paris: Expedia | Hotels.com
City breaks in Paris: LastMinute.com

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