One of the major preparation races for the Giro d'Italia, the mountainous Giro del Trentino is at risk of getting cancelled in 2014. A new local government has still not committed itself to supporting the race and without their contribution to the budget, the race cannot be organized.

It's a common perception among pro riders that there is no better way to prepare for the Giro d'Italia than by riding the Giro del Trentino in the middle of April. Held in the mountainous Trentino region, the four-day race offers some high-quality and very tough racing that is perfect to build up form for the grand tour.

However, the Giro contenders may have to find another way of preparing themselves for their major objective in 2014. Despite a long history that has seen it run uninterrupted since 1979, the race is at risk of getting cancelled in the coming season.

In recent years, the province of Trentino has contributed €250,000 per annum to the running of the race through the local tourism board and the figure contributes more or less half of the total budget. However, the local government has changed following a recent election and the new minister still hasn't confirmed the continued support.

“There’s no point in dancing around it," organizer Giacomo Santini told L'Adige. "As of today, the Giro del Trentino, even with an army of around 400 volunteers, has considerable costs. Without the public contribution from the Autonomous Province of Trento, it can’t be organised.

“I’ve written to the new tourism councillor and asked for a meeting,” he added. “I hope that the Giro del Trentino’s 38 years of history and its enormous visibility in the media, which guarantees undeniable benefits for tourism here, continue to be considered worthwhile.

“Having a date so close to the Giro d’Italia attracts a lot of big names building their form for the corsa rosa, The previous council had seen for themselves the added values and considered the Giro del Trentino to be an sound economic commitment in terms of tourism, but also for agriculture and promoting local produce.”

The past two editions of the race have both been broadcast live on RAI and the Italian broadcasters have already committed themselves to offer two hours of daily live coverage from the race that is scheduled to be held from April 15 to 18.

In recent years, the race has increased its popularity and international appeal and in 2013 it offered a dress rehearsal of the Giro as both major favourites Bradley Wiggins and Vincenzo Nibali did the race, with the latter coming out on top after winning the race's final stage.