The deserts of UAE were famous of their popular desert safari races but it looks like Dubai is set to step foot in the other racing events as well. The world’s famous bicycle race, Giro d’Italia could probably be in Dubai in next few years. Dubai could host part of the famous Giro d’Italia bicycle race in the next few years, according to a report, as organizers seek new sources of funding for the event.
According to Cycling News, key sporting personnel from Dubai visited the Giro d’Italia in May and were in Milan on Monday to learn more about potentially hosting the event, which is one of cycling’s three most prestigious races.
The emirate is due to host its first international stage race, the Dubai Tour, in early 2014.
A board member of the UAE Cycling Federation and the head of the technical and sport division of the Dubai Tour said that this is something were working on and were going to discuss as part of our strategy with the Giro organisers,” Mohammed Merhab Al Sabagh.
He further added that They’ve seen how Northern Ireland and Ireland have organised the opening three stages and that’s fabulous. Next year They’re going to watch the stages in Belfast and Ireland and see how they do, then open the door to negotiations with [organiser] RCS Sport and the Giro to host one or two stages in Dubai.
The most likely scenario would see the race begin in Dubai, with cyclists then flying to Italy for the remaining section. One issue could be the heat, with the Giro d’Italia traditionally taking place in May. Temperatures in Dubai at this time of year can top 40 degrees Celsius.
Races including the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia have hosted sections in different countries in recent years. The 2007 edition of the latter began in London, while the 2012 Giro d’Italia began in Denmark.
From Arabian Business
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