Government ministers from Israel and Italy, the Mayor of Jerusalem, race officials and some of the biggest names in world cycling gathered in Jerusalem on 18 September to launch the ‘Big Start’ to the 2018 Giro d’Italia.
Commencing on May 4, this prestigious event will see 176 of the world’s top cyclists begin the competition against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s Old City. Over the following two days, the competitors will ride from the North of Israel to the tip of the Red Sea, taking in breathtaking views from start to finish.
The Giro will finish three weeks later on 22 May in Italy. As a result, the 2018 Giro will carry a strong message of peace and coexistence, with its journey representing the ability of sport to build bridges between people, religions and nations.
The Giro d’Italia, which takes place annually in Italy over 21 stages during a three-week period, is watched by hundreds of millions of viewers in 194 countries. Next year’s race will be the 101st edition of the Giro.
Since 2006, the Giro has commenced every other year with a high-profile ‘Big Start’ outside Italy. Previous ‘Big Starts’ have brought the excitement of the Giro to Holland, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Belgium. Next year’s ‘Big Start’ in Israel will be the first time the Giro, the Tour de France or the Vuelta a Espana has been held outside Europe.
The ‘Big Start’ route will be comprised of three days: - Day One will see riders begin the race against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s iconic Old City on a 10.1km time-trial tour of the city.
- Day Two begins at the scenic Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, then passing through historic Acre and Caesarea, before riders head to the finish line on Tel Aviv’s beachside promenade, totalling 167km.
- Day Three begins in Beer Sheva and takes in southern Israel’s most dramatic scenery including the breathtaking Ramon Crater, finishing at the Red Sea resort of Eilat, totalling 226km.
In addition to the competitors, officials and world media, tens of thousands of tourists and cycling enthusiasts are expected to arrive in Israel to experience the Giro d’Italia’s festive atmosphere. The race will be a major boost for cycling’s growing popularity in Israel – The country’s only professional team, the Israel Cycling Academy, founded in 2014, currently competes on the UCI Continental circuit.
Speaking at the launch event in Jerusalem,
Italy’s Sports Minister Luca Lotti said: “The start from Jerusalem is a metaphorical bridge between our two lands, made up of history, culture and traditions. There is another aspect that makes me particularly proud: the fact that this edition of the Giro d'Italia will celebrate the memory of the great Gino Bartali. It is beautiful that he is remembered right here in Jerusalem because the great ‘Ginettaccio’ – as he was named by his fans and all his fellow sportsmen who loved and followed him – was not just a great champion of sport. He was also an extraordinary champion of life, and a man of heroic virtues, and this need to be commemorated, and shared, especially with the younger generations… never to be forgotten.”
Israel’s Sports Minister Miri Regev added: “It is our great privilege, to be a host country for a sporting event so great and important. I call on you, all lovers of the race, to come here to Israel. This cycling tour across the Holy Land will become a fascinating journey through time covering thousands of years. I'm sure it will be a thrilling experience for everyone.”
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