Penkov, Markov & Partners has successfully advised RCS Sports & Events on all legal aspects of a landmark public procurement procedure with the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Sport relating to the organization of stages of the Giro d'Italia 2026 in Bulgaria.

The project represents a major milestone for Bulgaria’s international sporting profile and further strengthens the country’s position as an attractive destination for world-class sporting and cultural events.

The mandate involved complex regulatory, procurement, intellectual property, contractual and compliance matters, requiring a coordinated legal strategy and in-depth expertise in Bulgarian public procurement law. PM&P worked closely with the client throughout the process to ensure full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and to support the successful completion of the procedure.

The PM&P team was led by Boris Lazarov and Nikolay Voynov, whose combined expertise ensured the efficient execution of the mandate and smooth coordination with the relevant authorities.

PM&P also worked in close collaboration with Krestian Kolev and Nikodemo E. Petschek from GO Group Consultancy, who acted as lead transaction advisors on the project.

Bringing one of the world’s most iconic and widely followed cycling competitions to Bulgaria required exceptional vision, coordination and the successful navigation of a highly sophisticated legal, regulatory and organisational framework. The event is expected to attract international teams, officials, media representatives, sponsors and thousands of visitors, while showcasing Bulgaria’s breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage and modern infrastructure to a global audience of millions.

From picturesque mountain routes and historic landmarks to vibrant cities and hospitality, the Giro d’Italia stages in Bulgaria will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the country’s capacity to host projects of exceptional international significance.

The project further demonstrates PM&P’s ability to advise on complex, high-impact international mandates requiring multidisciplinary expertise, seamless coordination and a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and commercial objectives behind transformative projects of national importance.

Beyond its sporting significance, the event is expected to generate substantial international visibility for Bulgaria, reinforcing the country’s attractiveness for tourism, investment and future international initiatives.

PM&P remains committed to supporting projects that shape industries, elevate Bulgaria’s international profile and create lasting economic and social impact.