After a 40-year absence, Giro di Sicilia will return to the calendar. Sponsored and organized by the Regional Tourism Office, the Grand Tour of Sicily was officially presented this morning in Palermo. Even though the dates will only be confirmed officially on February 28, the race has already approved by the UCI for an October 7-15 slot. There will be eight days of racing during which three events will be held: the pro race over six stages (a women’s race is also planned), a Tourist Race for amateurs on a modified course that will touch some UNESCO sites, and aParacycle and Diabetes Race which will be for people with disabilities and people living with diabetes, divided into several categories. 

"We wanted to bring one of the most popular international cycling events back to Siciliy, with the aim of promoting a cultural trip to our island, combining for the first time ever sports, culture, tourism and history. We are working to launch a strategic synergy with the United Kingdom, a joint venture with Sheffield, which is the capital of sport in England,” said commissioner Anthony Barbagallo.

In addition to Great Britain, the race hopes to create synergy with Korea as confirmed by the Su-Ri Chung , who wants to use sport to improve tourism.

"With this race we want to recall the whole Sicilian cycling history at the international level and to promote a new cultural trip to the island. The total prize money should be around 400,000 Euros. We want to gain greater visibility of Sicily in East Asia as the tourist flow is more important at the international level.” 

Regarding the course for the six stages for professionals, some indications were revealed by Barbagallo. The race will pass from Villa del Casale through Siracusa , Pantalica , the Valley of the Temples , Noto and through the most beautiful towns in Italy like Gangi , Montalbano Elicona and Sambuca di Sicilia.”