In a bold move to expand cycling to the ‘new world’ the organizers of the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) is heavily considering a start in Washington DC. I applaud it.
With the first edition in 1909 the coveted race is steeped in rich history. The Giro is one of the three grand tours, riding alongside the Tour de France & the Vuelta a España.
Great champions have won the prestigious race. But only three have won it five times: Luigi Ganna, Fausto Coppi & Eddy Merckx. Last year Denis Menchov took the overall victory.
Washington DC’s Mayor Adrian Fenty, a triathlete and cycling fan, wants to help make it happen. Giro race director Angelo Zomegnan said, “For some time we have had the idea of holding the Giro’s start in America. But now there exists a concrete interest from the city of Washington.”
Organizers are thinking of the start in Washington follow by two or three additional stages along the east coast. They already mention Philadephia & New York City. The Giro would get a greater boost as the race would emerge from out of the shadow of the famous Tour de France.
It would be a fine coup to be the first of the three Grand Tours to begin outside of Europe. Notably the logistical problems emerge: the cost, travel time & the tiring jet lag back to Italy.
For the 2010 Giro, the race will start in Amsterdam. Tomorrow America beckons!
Written by Richard Lee
www.cyclingart.blogspot.com
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