Giro D’Italia ‘Big Start’
Israel Government Press Office GPO 15 April 2018

Israel will host the opening three stages of the 101st Giro d’Italia in May
2018. The ‘Big Start’ in Israel will be the first time that any of cycling’s
three ‘Grand Tour’ races (Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana)
has been held outside Europe.

176 of the world’s top cyclists will begin the race with three stages in
Israel, before a further 18 days of racing across Italy, culminating in a
finish in Rome.

Commencing on May 4, the race will begin against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s
Old City. Over the following two days, the competitors will ride from the
North of Israel to the tip of the Red Sea, taking in breathtaking views from
start to finish. The ‘Big Start’ will comprise of three stages of the Giro d’Italia:

- Day One will see riders begin the race against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s
iconic Old City on a 10km time-trial tour of the city.

- Day Two will begin in Haifa, then passing through historic Acre and
Caesarea, before riders head to the finish line on Tel Aviv’s beachside
promenade, totaling 167km.

- Day Three begins in Be'er Sheva and takes in southern Israel’s most
dramatic scenery including the breathtaking Ramon Crater, finishing at the
Red Sea resort of Eilat, totaling 229km.

The ‘Big Start’ is unprecedented in size as a logistical event in Israel. It
is expected to attract thousands of tourists, while hundreds of millions of
viewers worldwide will follow the three days of live broadcasts from Israel.

Philanthropist Sylvan Adams is the driving force behind bringing the race to
Israel and is the Honorary President of the ‘Big Start.’ He has enlisted
various Israeli authorities, including Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of
Finance, Ministry of Culture and Sport, Ministry of Public Security,
Jerusalem City Council and Tel Aviv City Council.