The second largest bike race in Europe, next to the Tour de France, is the Giro d'Italia. Bike racing, Italian style. This years race has started off with a bang and it is the 101st year of the bike festival. After negotiating the politics, after much planning, and at a cost of 33 million dollars to launch this year's race, well, "gentleman, start your engines!"
The opening first three days was not in "continental Europe," but in Israel. That's right, Israel! The first day was a "time trial" in Jerusalem, the second from Haifa to Tel Aviv, and the third, a desert stage from Be'er Sheva to Eliat. From watching the news feed on "Flosports" you would of thought that the entire country came out for the race. Ten's of thousands of people lined the streets of Israel to celebrate a first for the Giro d'Italia. I have to give the race organizers credit for putting on a great "show!" Nearly 900 million viewers world wide tuned in for the race. Luckily, no big crashes, no security issues, and the race proved beyond everyone's expectations. I wish I had been there. Flosports web casting makes up for not being there, Great Job, Flosports!
And, no surprises, Italians took first place in every stage, but, they did have to earn it. What I find particularly inspiring is that it was pure fun! Just tens of thousands of people enjoying a bike race. Of course, being a "first," Israel was under pressure to put on a great show, and "show" they did. I got to see places in Israel I will probably never see in real life. The helicopter shots were fantastic! It is not often that the "world at large" can put aside their petty differences and just go out and have fun. I remember when the war in Columbia was put on hold so the Harlem Globe Trotters could play basketball! Sporting events, like this one, like the Olympics, is just what the doctor ordered. Too many times the media mis-aligns what is really important. What is important is that people should get along. Now, just think about this. Two of the racing teams were sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Whether you want to admit it or not, this is a good thing. Arab teams racing in Israel, I love it! Now just think about that after you finish with this article. Peace is possible...Peace through bike racing! Hey, whatever it takes! That's the way I see it today, May 8th, 2018.
The opening first three days was not in "continental Europe," but in Israel. That's right, Israel! The first day was a "time trial" in Jerusalem, the second from Haifa to Tel Aviv, and the third, a desert stage from Be'er Sheva to Eliat. From watching the news feed on "Flosports" you would of thought that the entire country came out for the race. Ten's of thousands of people lined the streets of Israel to celebrate a first for the Giro d'Italia. I have to give the race organizers credit for putting on a great "show!" Nearly 900 million viewers world wide tuned in for the race. Luckily, no big crashes, no security issues, and the race proved beyond everyone's expectations. I wish I had been there. Flosports web casting makes up for not being there, Great Job, Flosports!
And, no surprises, Italians took first place in every stage, but, they did have to earn it. What I find particularly inspiring is that it was pure fun! Just tens of thousands of people enjoying a bike race. Of course, being a "first," Israel was under pressure to put on a great show, and "show" they did. I got to see places in Israel I will probably never see in real life. The helicopter shots were fantastic! It is not often that the "world at large" can put aside their petty differences and just go out and have fun. I remember when the war in Columbia was put on hold so the Harlem Globe Trotters could play basketball! Sporting events, like this one, like the Olympics, is just what the doctor ordered. Too many times the media mis-aligns what is really important. What is important is that people should get along. Now, just think about this. Two of the racing teams were sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Whether you want to admit it or not, this is a good thing. Arab teams racing in Israel, I love it! Now just think about that after you finish with this article. Peace is possible...Peace through bike racing! Hey, whatever it takes! That's the way I see it today, May 8th, 2018.
