Cycling: the 2018 Giro d'Italia will start in Israel, the first tour beginning outside of Europe

The beginning of the 2018 edition of the Giro d'Italia (from 04 to 27/05/2018) will take place in Israel, according to RCS Sport, the organiser of the Giro d'Italia, on 18/09/2017.

For the first time, one of the grand cycling tours (Giro, La Vuelta, and Tour de France) will start outside of Europe. This will be the thirteenth start of the Giro from abroad (see below). The 2018 Giro will hold three stages in Israel, including an inaugural time trial in the streets of Jerusalem on 04/05/2018.

"It is a source of pride for us to be able to announce today this great historic start: the territories crossed by the Giro in Israel will present the world with wonderful traditions, culture, and landscapes. The Giro d'Italia is above all a vector of tourism promotion for the countries and cities crossed," said Mauro Vegni, director of the Giro d'Italia, on 18/09/2017.

"The Giro, a showcase that promotes Italy throughout the world" (P. Bellino, RCS Sport, 18/09/2017)

• "The internationalisation of the…