Giro 2012 to start in… Washington!?
A quick one this, but Velonation is reporting breaking news that the 2012 Giro d’Italia will be starting in Washington, and I’m presuming that’s Washington DC, not Washington, Tyne and Wear, UK!
According to an Italian newspaper, it’ll be confirmed tomorrow, and if so, it’s massive news – the first time any Grand Tour has started outside Europe.
Practically speaking, it’ll be a huge logistical task, but will it be a worthwhile one? Will this be a big boost to cycling in the States, or simply a gimmick? And how will the riders feel about two trans-Atlantic flights at the start of a Grand Tour? The second is reportedly taking place after the prologue and with a rest day before stage 1 and the Giro proper.
We’d be interested to hear your views.
Comments
I won’t be holding my breath on this. There were similar rumors about the TdF a year or two ago. Prologue in NYC then stage one from Philly to DC or something like that.
A colossal waste of time, money, and greenhouse gas emissions. What we need is anyone with brains enough to get a grand tour going here instead of importing a time trial stage. Remember the Coors Classic? Maybe someone needs to get those NASCAR idiots to ride in it instead of sit in a car; then America would wise up?
Turns out Velonation jumped the gun…DC is only announcing a bid for the start.
http://www.welovedc.com/2010/02/24/2012-giro-ditalia-to-kick-off-in-dc/
Thanks for the update.
I have to say that, although I’m for anything that promotes cycling, I wouldn’t be that pleased seeing a Washington start. I completely agree with the environmental points above, and I think it would have a detrimental effect on the riders – and therefore on the quality of the rest of the race. I cycled SF to LA with some people last year, including a lady who’d flown straight in from Europe. The jetlag knocked her sideways for the first 3 or 4 days (I know this is very different to a pro stage race, but still…).
If you’re interested, here is a link to the original Italian article dated 24 February, as seen through the weird distorting mirror that is Google translate: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilsole24ore.com%2Fart%2FSoleOnLine4%2FSport%2F2010%2F02%2Fgiro-italia-2012-washington.shtml%3Fuuid%3De2411884-2124-11df-9577-f5c6c14bceee%26DocRulesView%3DLibero%26fromSearch