The Giro d'Italia cycling race will begin in Israel next year, "marking the first time any leg of the sport’s three Grand Tours will take place outside of Europe," according to the AP. Organizers said on Thursday that "details of the exact route of the three stages to be held in Israel will be announced next week," with Italian and Israeli ministers making the announcement in Jerusalem along with recently-retired Spanish cyclist and two-time Giro winner Alberto Contador. The Giro has started outside Italy on 11 occasions, in locations including Monte Carlo, Athens and Belfast. It "will now leave Europe for the first time in its 101-year history." It "is set to be the biggest sporting event held in Israel and is expected to draw tens of thousands of tourists to the country." Daniel Benaim, the owner of Comtec Group, the Giro's Israeli production company, said, "This is a hugely exciting moment for cycling and for Israel" (AP, 9/14). The AFP reported hosting the race's start "will mark a major sporting coup for Israel and provide it with an opportunity to promote its tourism industry" in a year when it also celebrates 70 years since the country's creation. However, it "also risks protests surrounding the event over its 50-year occupation of Palestinian territory." The race will reportedly begin in Jerusalem "with a possible time trial on May 5," followed by two stages in southern Israel and Tel Aviv, along the Mediterranean (AFP, 9/14).
