Giro d’Italia 2018: Everything you need to know about the route
By Zach Bigalke
For the first time in cycling history, a stage race will begin in Israel. A mountain-packed 2018 Giro d’Italia begins with a Jerusalem time trial.
In many ways, cycling has been pushing for decades in the direction of turning the concept of a national tour into a nebulous idea. In 22 of its 104 editions through 2017, the Tour de France has started outside of French soil. And this year, the 101st edition of the Giro d’Italia will start on foreign soil for the 13th time.
This time, however, has the weight of history on its shoulders. The Giro organizers opted to start this year’s edition in Israel. It will be the first time any grand tour ventures off European soil for its start. Three stages will go through Israel, a brief but impactful aside marking a historic first for the race.
RCS, the organizers of the Giro d’Italia, has faced considerable criticism for choosing to stage the race start in Israel. First RCS came under heat from the Israeli government when it initially chose to refer to the start point of the opening time trial as West Jerusalem rather than just Jerusalem to reflect the geographic realities of the contested city.
After conceding to Israel’s wishes, the organizers then faced heat from human rights groups. They argued that the Giro d’Italia was giving sanction to the Israeli government at a time when its military has ramped up conflict with Palestinians. Despite the protests all around, the race will go on in Israel.
How to watch the 2018 Giro d’Italia
Dates: May 4-27, 2018
Start Time: Varies
TV Info: N/A
Live Stream: FuboTV | Sign up for a free seven-day trial
After beIN Sports opted out of renewing its rights to the Giro d’Italia, the race has been covered the past few years on FuboTV. Once again the streaming service will feature the exclusive American coverage of the race. The company has a free seven-day trial for those interested in testing out the service.