Giro di San Francisco 2025: Complete Guide for Racers and Spectators

Planning to race or spectate at the Giro di San Francisco on Labor Day 2025?
This guide delivers everything you need: verified dates, the exact course location, race-day schedule, registration deadlines, and coach-approved tips so you can arrive confident and ready.

Event Overview: Date, Location, and Quick Facts

Date: Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labor Day)
Location: Levi’s Plaza, San Francisco — start/finish at Greenwich & Battery Streets
Race Type: Fast, technical criterium (0.75-mile loop)
Schedule: First race 8:00 AM, last race around 3:15 PM
Official Site: girosf.com

The Giro is a 49th annual classic San Francisco criterium—a high-speed, urban block party with a festive atmosphere and free spectator access.

Registration Deadlines and Requirements

Registration for the Giro is time-sensitive:

Early online registration: Through August 24 (discounted prices)
Late online registration: August 25–27 (higher fee)
Online closes: Midnight, August 27
Race-day registration: Only if your category is not full

All racers need a current USA Cycling (USAC) license. New riders can purchase a one-day license during registration if eligible.
More details: Official Registration Info.

Course Details and Spectator Hotspots

The 0.75-mile loop circles Levi’s Plaza and the Embarcadero using Battery, Green, Front, Vallejo, Sansome, and Greenwich Streets.
This short, punchy circuit is perfect for spectators:

Start/Finish Line: Union & Battery Streets — announcer booth and race updates
Vallejo Climb: A fan-favorite corner for exciting attacks
Corners Everywhere: Riders pass dozens of times, so any corner offers close-up action

Tip: Bring layers. San Francisco’s microclimates can shift from sunny to foggy in minutes.

Full-Day Race Schedule

The Giro hosts multiple USA Cycling categories:

Morning: Juniors and Masters races begin at 8:00 AM
Midday: Women’s Pro/1/2/3 and Cat 3 races
Afternoon Finale: Men’s Elite/Pro/1/2 race starts around 3:15 PM

Most races last 40–60 minutes.
Confirm your specific category’s start time on the Official Schedule.

Race-Day Logistics and Street Closures

Expect street closures on Sansome, Battery, Front, Greenwich, Union, Green, and Vallejo Streets.
Public transit (MUNI) is not affected, but parking is limited—arrive early.

Insurance: Entry fees include USAC insurance and NCNCA district surcharges.
Spectator Access: Free and open; barricades mark restricted zones.

Training Tips for Racing a Crit

Criteriums demand short, high-power efforts and sharp cornering skills—different from steady-state endurance events.

Intervals: 6–10 x 1-minute near-max sprints with 2–3 minutes recovery
Corner-to-Sprint Repeats: Practice accelerations out of turns
Tempo Ride or Long Run: Maintain aerobic base
Pack Skills: Group rides improve drafting and close-quarters confidence

Cyclists should tune up bikes—brakes, tires, and cornering traction are crucial for safety and speed.

Insider Advice for Racers and Fans

Racers: Bring spare tubes, CO₂ or a pump, and warm-up gear. Pin numbers with a teammate to save time. Scout corners for the best lines.
Spectators: Bring low chairs, snacks, and sunscreen. A portable radio or earbuds help you follow the announcer commentary.
Family Fun: Don’t miss the free Kids’ Race (10 & under) around 12:50 PM.

Final Checklist

✅ Pre-register by August 27 to secure your spot
✅ Review the official schedule for your race category
✅ Bring layers and plan your spectating or warm-up strategy
✅ Respect barricades and marshals for a smooth event

Sources

Enjoy the Giro di San Francisco 2025—whether you’re racing the corners or cheering from the sidelines, it’s one of the Bay Area’s most exciting Labor Day traditions.