Giro organisers shouldn’t push it too far

– Australian Rohan Dennis (right) praised Israeli authorities for their handling of the Giro d’Italia “Big Start” but said there must be a limit to how far from home a Grand Tour should go.

The Giro made history this year as it became the first Grand Tour to start outside of Europe with Friday’s individual time-trial in Jerusalem.

There followed two sprint stages through Israel, finishing in Tel Aviv and then Eilat before the race returned to its homeland for yesterday’s rest day ahead of today’s fourth stage in Sicily.

Giro organisers have previously mooted the possibility of starting the race in Tokyo or Washing-

Eilat

ton, but Dennis said there must be a limit in terms of how far riders are expected to travel from one day to the next.

“The only thing we could have improved with coming to Israel is flying (back to Italy) tonight (Sunday),” said Dennis, the race leader.

“It’s not ideal that we fly tomorrow (Monday),” he added.

“It’s what we’d have to do with Japan or New York. I’m not sure there’s a rule with the amount of time we’re allowed to fly otherwise one day we may start in Australia!” quipped the Aussie.

“You just never know where the limits are. I think there has to be a point where we go: ‘Okay, that’s too far’. – Reuters