A year ago this week, the route for the 2020 Giro d'Italia was announced in Milan. Twelve months later, the rescheduled race is only just over, but already we are thinking about the structure of the competition, scheduled for May 8-30 next year.

The 2020 Giro was originally scheduled to start in Budapest, but when the race was postponed to October due to a coronavirus outbreak, the Grande Partenza was moved to Sicily, where the start was scheduled for 2021.

Race director Mauro Veni said that much of the 2021 route is already planned, but admitted that it is unlikely that the Hungarian start will take place next May; no date has yet been set for the announcement of the 2021 Giro d'Italia route.

"I don't think the problems associated with COVID-19 have been overcome in 2021, so that's why we are working towards having all 21 stages of the race in Italy," Veni told Italian RAI television in the mixed zone in Piazza del Duomo after the final stage. He reiterated this point to the media, including Cycling News.

"We are thinking about it and have different options for starting in Italy and abroad. But if there are still significant problems with COVID-19, starting in a foreign country would be too complicated."

"We are not sure if there is a problem with COVID-19, but we are not sure if there is a problem with COVID-19.

This point was underscored last week when another cross-border excursion planned for the 2020 Giro (stage 20 into France via Colle Aniello) was removed from the route due to tighter coronavirus regulations. The Vuelta a España was also forced to remove Sunday's scheduled summit finish at the Col du Tourmalet from the route.

Veni expressed pride in being able to close this year's Giro in Milan despite the coronavirus pandemic and the withdrawal of two teams, Mitchelton Scott and Jumbo Visma, who were confirmed COVID-19 infected.

EF Pro Cycling subsequently requested that the Giro be closed in two weeks, citing concerns over a coronavirus "bubble" in the race, but this request was rejected by the UCI.

"Despite my concerns, I was always determined to go to Milan. Whoever would have followed us would have continued," Veni said, reiterating that only the intervention of the Italian government would have brought the race to an early end.

"Only if the health authorities had requested it, they would have stopped the race."

After stage 19 of the Giro was cut in half in distance due to rider protests, Veni warned that "someone will pay the price," but preferred to focus on the fact that the race managed to reach Milan on Sunday.

"That stage hurt because this has been a special and difficult year. But when I sum up this Giro, I am more satisfied than disappointed."

"I am very happy with my performance.

"I am very happy to be here in Piazza Duomo today. Thanks to everyone, including the riders.