Stage 1

Wednesday 06/05

Elevation gain 988 m 171.6 km

Wednesday 06/05

Elevation gain 988 m 171.6 km

Start

Ioannina

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city is built around the enchanting Lake Pamvotida, with its imposing Castle and the small island on the lake adding to its distinctive character. It is no coincidence that it is known as the “City of Letters and Arts,” as it has produced prominent figures in both literature and the arts, recognized nationwide and beyond. Ioannina seamlessly combines modern life with its rich cultural heritage, offering visitors unique experiences. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature exploration, making the city a key destination for culture, sports, and tourism in Epirus.

Agrinio

Agrinio welcomes its visitors with the spirit of a modern, sustainable, and “smart” city that is constantly evolving. The recent urban redevelopments have shaped a friendly and open city, ideal for walking, exploration, and moments of relaxation. The Municipality of Agrinio is a destination that combines authenticity with natural beauty. The impressive Lake Trichonida, the largest in Greece together with the surrounding mountain landscapes, creates a setting that offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, exploration, and enjoyment of the stunning scenery. The expanded Municipality, with its unique diversity, promises experiences that become truly unforgettable. With a warm heart and genuine hospitality, Agrinio welcomes the DEI Tour of Hellas 2026. A journey to our land becomes an opportunity to discover the warmth of its people, the richness of its nature, and the unique identity of a city that knows how to evolve, inspire, and captivate.

Ioannina

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city is built around the enchanting Lake Pamvotida, with its imposing Castle and the small island on the lake adding to its distinctive character. It is no coincidence that it is known as the “City of Letters and Arts,” as it has produced prominent figures in both literature and the arts, recognized nationwide and beyond. Ioannina seamlessly combines modern life with its rich cultural heritage, offering visitors unique experiences. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature exploration, making the city a key destination for culture, sports, and tourism in Epirus.

Agrinio

Agrinio welcomes its visitors with the spirit of a modern, sustainable, and “smart” city that is constantly evolving. The recent urban redevelopments have shaped a friendly and open city, ideal for walking, exploration, and moments of relaxation. The Municipality of Agrinio is a destination that combines authenticity with natural beauty. The impressive Lake Trichonida, the largest in Greece together with the surrounding mountain landscapes, creates a setting that offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, exploration, and enjoyment of the stunning scenery. The expanded Municipality, with its unique diversity, promises experiences that become truly unforgettable. With a warm heart and genuine hospitality, Agrinio welcomes the DEI Tour of Hellas 2026. A journey to our land becomes an opportunity to discover the warmth of its people, the richness of its nature, and the unique identity of a city that knows how to evolve, inspire, and captivate.

MAP

PROFILE

DETAILS

Ioannina – Agrinio

171.6 km | Elevation gain: 988 m

The curtain-raiser starts by the stunning Lake Ioannina. The peloton loops around the historic Castle before kilometer 0 is given on Dodonis Avenue, heading south. From the opening kilometers the riders face their first test, with a Category 3 KOM just outside Dodoni on the old national road towards Arta.

The route unfolds through spectacular Epirus landscapes and mountain backdrops before the race heads to Filippiada. The next section is mostly fast and downhill, leading into the long straight towards Arta.

On the run-in to town, the iconic Arta Bridge appears on the left—one of the stage’s signature TV shots. This is also where the first intermediate sprint takes place, at the same spot that hosted the finish of the 2020 Greek National Road Championships.

The stage continues with the Ambracian Gulf stretching out to the riders’ right, offering breathtaking coastal scenery. The second intermediate sprint comes in seaside Amfilochia, with the road running virtually alongside the water.

Passing Lake Amvrakia, the bunch heads to the bridge over the Stratos reservoir, home to the first Avance Mile—a key moment for bonus seconds.
The first passage through Agrinio echoes the 2025 finish, but 2026 writes a new chapter: the riders do not finish there. Instead, they cross the cobbles of the main square, bringing the race into the heart of the city and giving locals a front-row view.

A 14 km finishing circuit cranks the tension up. Teams line up their lead-outs, sprinters fight for position, and the peloton returns to Agrinio for a high-speed finish expected to be decided by inches.

Key race points

• Km 0 – Dodonis Avenue (Official Start / km 0)
• Km 16.35 – Dodoni (Cat. 3 KOM)
• Km 73 – Arta (1st Intermediate Sprint)
• Km 115.5 – Amfilochia (2nd Intermediate Sprint)
• Km 145.3 – Stratos Lake (Avance Mile)
• Km 171.6 – Agrinio (Finish)