[Meanwhile, in Basilicata and Abruzzo, a new stage may replace the two road race stages scheduled for Hungary in May.

In Italy, there had been reports that the new stages would visit areas most heavily affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus, including Bergamo, but this has proved problematic; the October race will be a time trial through the vineyards of Prosecco near Conegliano, with a time trial, It appears that the race will largely follow the original route, including an important mountain stage over the Passo dello Stelvio and Colle Aniello before arriving in Milan for a 16.5km individual time trial.

According to Cycling News, race organizer RCS Sport is opposed to inserting a new stage in the second half of the race, with the major mountain stages taking place over the weekend to maximize TV viewership.

As part of the new UCI race calendar, the Giro d'Italia will be held October 3-25. The Tour de France will run from August 29-September 20, and the 18-stage Vuelta a España will overlap with the Corsa Rosa and run from October 20-November 8.

According to the well-informed website Tuttobiciweb, the opening stage will be held in Palermo and will be a time trial similar in length to the Budapest time trial (8.6 km).

The second stage will follow the route of the fourth stage from Monreale to Agrigento, with the third stage finishing on Mount Etna.

To make up for the two road stages lost in Hungary, the first week of the Giro will feature new stages in the southern regions of Basilicata and Abruzzo. An Abruzzo stage could be inserted between Vieste on the Puglia coast (stage 9) and San Salvo on the Abruzzo coast (stage 10).

Race organizer RCS Sport has already confirmed that Sicily will host the 2021 Giro d'Italia Gran Partenza as part of a three-year agreement with the region. However, it is unclear whether the 2021 race will also start on the Mediterranean island or will be held in Hungary.

Race director Mauro Veni has already said that the new route will be revealed in a virtual presentation online at the end of June or early July.

Veni has said that he would like to hold an "open door" Giro d'Italia, but some limits on the number of spectators at the start and finish are expected. The Giro d'Italia and other major races scheduled for August and September must respect the COVID-19 protocol.