JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will host the three opening stages of next year's Giro d'Italia, the first time a cycling classic race will be held outside Europe, organisers said on Monday. The Giro, along with the Tour de France and Spain's Vuelta comprise the world's three major cycling tours. Although Israel is situated on the western edge of Asia, its sports organisations are affiliated with Europe. Israel hopes to enter a wild-card team, said Canadian-born Israeli Sylvan Adams, one of the organisers, who added that it was he who persuaded Giro officials to bring the race to the country. "All the bunch is fresh and each team will want their leader to take the pink jersey," Basso said.

Source: The Star September 18, 2017 15:57 UTC