The 2014 Giro d’Italia will start in Ireland, and is expected to be announced by government officials on Thursday morning, in what has been described as a ‘coup’ for Irish cycling.
The Giro d’Italia is the world’s second-biggest bike race and its iconic pink leader’s jersey is one of the most coveted in world-cycling. The beginning of the 2014 race is expected to be staged in Dublin and Belfast, as a result of productive cross-border support.
Fáilte Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Northern Irish Tourist Board have backed the decision and it will be a welcome boost to deflated economies on both sides of the border. The three-day spectacle is expected to generate roughly €12 million and cost €4.5 million to stage.
It is believed the idea to start the Giro in Ireland is the brainchild of former Tour of Ireland race director Darach McQuaid and his Shadetree Sports Company. This will be the biggest cycling event to hit Ireland since the Tour de France so famously came to our shores in 1998.
An announcement is expected Thursday to confirm the decision, enabling organisers to step up a gear and put the preparations in motion.
Chris Froome to win this summer’s Tour de France is 9/4 with Boylesports.com.
