Giro d'Italia 2018

The 2018 Giro d'Italia is set to travel outside of Europe for the Grande Partenza for the first time in its 101-year history when it starts in Jerusalem's Old City. The Italian Grand Tour will start with a 10.1km individual time trial, followed by stage finishes in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The Giro will take a rest day to travel to Italy with Catania in Sciliy the likely host for the start of stage 4. RCS Sports, the race organizers, have embraced foreign starts in recent decades with the Giro starting in Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece.

Reigning Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana champion Chris Froome has confirmed his appearance at the Giro. The route, with 44.2km of time trials and eight mountain finishes, suits the Briton's characteristics but the balanced course also provides opportunities for his rivals.

Of the mountainous finale, Stage 14 features the iconic and testing Monte Zoncolan climb. Although it is stage 19, with Colle delle Finestre and Sestriere climbs, before the Jafferau finish that is arguably the Giro's queen stage. However, there are several more key stages which are tipped to decide the maglia rosa for 2018.

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel, the Giro will finish in Rome.

 2018 Giro d'Italia route announcement and reaction

• 2018 Giro d'Italia route revealed
• Chris Froome confirms Giro d'Italia participation
• Dumoulin keeps his 2018 Grand Tour goals under wraps
• 2018 Giro d'Italia route unveiled in Milan - Gallery
• 'A start fee for Froome? I flatly deny that,' says Giro d'Italia director
• Rivals react to Chris Froome's Giro d'Italia bid
• Giro d'Italia 2018: Five key stages