The Giro di Sardegna returns to the island after 15 years. Five stages, 830 kilometers, from February 25th to March 1st: twenty-five teams registered, with 175 cyclists in the saddle.
The Region presented this morning a tourism and sports initiative that includes the new UNESCO sites of the Domus de Janas and the Nuraghe. The setting will be a less touristy and less well-known Sardinia. The aim is to promote the island even outside of summer.
Departing from Castelsardo and arriving in Bosa after 189 kilometers, the route continues on to Oristano-Carbonia. The third stage runs from Cagliari to Tortolì. Then Arbatax-Nuoro. Finally, the final 183 kilometers reach Nuoro.
"Sport will be the main focus," said Regional President Alessandra Todde, "but it's clearly also a way to promote Sardinia, especially in conjunction with Carnival and the rituals that express the island's true essence. This is in a context that includes the America's Cup in May and the rally in October."
Low season, reiterated Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu, is therefore in line with the strategy of shifting tourist flows in space and time.
Fabio Aru and Claudio Chiappucci, along with Francesco Moser and Gianni Bugno, were present at the official launch of the Giro in Sardinia. They will be ambassadors for the Giro. Roberto Pella, president of the Professional Cycling League, was also present: "It's a Giro that, based on initial contacts," he anticipated, "is attracting interest worldwide in terms of media coverage. We're overbooked; some teams have been left out because over 25 teams can't attend, but the most prestigious teams will be there."
The first Giro di Sardegna was held in 1958. The roll of honour includes legendary names such as Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Vittorio Adorni, Marino Basso, Giuseppe Saronni and Peter Sagan.
The equivalent of the Giro d'Italia's pink jersey will be the blue jersey. The green jersey will be for climbers, a tribute to the island's mountains and inland landscapes. The orange jersey will be for young riders, and the white jersey with the Nuraghi for the points classification.
(Unioneonline)