Amsterdam to host Giro 2007?

The Dutch city of Amsterdam has expressed its desire to host the start of the Giro d'Italia in 2007. Three other European cities outside of Italy have reportedly applied to welcome the Giro in 2006, but the timeline is too short for Amsterdam.

Giro director Angelo Zomegnan is open to the city's proposals for 2007. "We would like to start in Amsterdam," he said. "If it can't be in 2006, then it will still be possible for 2007." Meanwhile, the Giro organiser did not divulge the names of the other three cities.

The Dutch municipality has estimated the cost to host the opening of the Italian stage race at 3.6 million Euros. A large part of it should be financed by sponsorship, but the contracts have not yet been finalised. Also, the cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam are currently in a bid to take the Tour de France start to the Netherlands in 2008.