Sardinia aims to host the start of the 2028 Vuelta a España , one of cycling's major stage races alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia. Just as Cagliari hosts the America's Cup preliminary regattas, another move is underway to enhance the region and attract tourism through major sporting events.
The Vuelta is held annually between August and September, and the Region has set out its intentions in writing, also allocating €7.5 million for the event's organization . This sum is included in the budget amendment currently being discussed by the Regional Council: €4 million in 2027, €3.5 million in 2028 to purchase the rights to organize the stages and all related promotional activities.
The attached report states that the event "represents one of the three most prestigious competitions in the world, characterized by consolidated media relevance, and its holding on the island is part of the strategic objective of strengthening the internationalization of tourism and commercial businesses, aiming to intercept new international flows and consolidate the region's position as a top-tier sports tourism destination."
A bond, the one between the Island and cycling, which is also evident in the over 2 million allocated for the organization of the 2027 Coppa Italia delle Regioni – Giro di Sardegna , to "relaunch the national tradition by combining it with values of sustainability, health, equal opportunities, and safe mobility."
The expenditure for the two events, the report further states, "is not limited to covering organizational costs but constitutes the purchase of an integrated package of tourism, cultural, and sports promotion services that guarantees a lasting impact on the economic and social fabric of Sardinia ."
(Unioneonline)
