Old Jerusalem To Host 2018 Giro D'Italia's Opening Time Trial

The 2018 Giro d'Italia "will start with three stages in Israel," including an opening time trial in the Old City of Jerusalem, according to CYCLING NEWS. Two more stages have not been finalized, but Tel Aviv and the south of Israel have been discussed as "probable candidates to host stages." Race owner RCS Sport is "expected to make an official announcement" on Sept. 18 in Jerusalem. Israel Cycling Academy founders have been "working with RCS for several years to bring the race to Israel." The Israeli government will be "responsible for all security and very likely a significant part of the total cost of hosting the Giro start." The start in Jerusalem "would be a big political coup for the country," which has been "striving to paint a picture of 'normal' life in everyday Israel." The visit from the Giro would commemorate Israel's 70th birthday (CYCLING NEWS, 8/7).