Belgium ready for Giro

Next weekend will be another high-day for Italian cycling, and not in the least for Belgium. The Giro d'Italia starts in Belgium, more precisely in Liège with a prologue followed by three stages through Wallonnie. The Wallonnian (or French-speaking) part of the small Northern European country is preparing for virtually a week of cycling euphoria, with the passage of the Tour of Italy being used as an ideal opportunity to honour the mine workers, the first Italian immigrants who arrived in Belgium just 60 years ago.

The 60th birthday of the Accord du Charbon, the agreement which regulated the first wave of immigrants from Italy after World War II and the commemoration of the terrible mine-disaster in Marcinelle, which took the life of 262 mine workers 50 years ago, are two events which will be highlighted during the passage of the 2006 Giro. Especially with Sunday's stage finish in Marcinelle, the reference to the mining industry is clearly present during the four days the Giro is ridden on Belgian soil.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1