Rocket strikes and growing int'l protests centered on Jerusalem have "prompted Giro d’Italia organizers to consider a backup plan" for '18, according to Gregor Brown of VELO NEWS. Next year’s race is due to become the first grand tour to begin outside of Europe on May 4 in Israel’s ancient city. RCS Sport’s execs in Milan are considering a “plan B” in case the political situation does not improve, according to sources. Violence, protests and int'l condemnation have increased in the last week since U.S. President Donald Trump "recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital." The scenario is "far from ideal" for a race organizer planning a "massive" million-dollar event in just five months' time. RCS Sport is reportedly considering a "worst-case-scenario plan B option that could see the race start in Italy’s south." Instead of three Israel stages, the 2018 Giro d’Italia could "tour the toe of Italy’s boot in Puglia and move west over three stages." On the island of Sicily, it would "continue as planned with stage 4 from Catania." Another possibility, which Cycling Dir Mauro Vegni pointed out in September, is starting the race from Catania (VELO NEWS, 12/11).
