Next year in Jerusalem: Giro riders face political hurdles
The famed annual multi-stage bicycle race Giro d'Italia, or Tour of Italy, will make its start next May in Jerusalem under a longstanding tradition that some starts and stages of the race take place outside of Italy. But for Israel, organizers have been forced to navigate a tricky obstacle course, recognizing political sensitivities.
The route will not go through any land considered occupied by the international community—meaning it will circumvent the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War and claimed by the Palestinians as parts of a future independent state.
However, the international anti-Israel boycott movement is fuming the race is even being held. Race director Mauro Vegni says the course was mapped out with the "guidance" of the Italian Foreign Ministry.
