The 2015 Giro d’Italia will begin in San Lorenzo al Mare with a team time-trial to San Remo, organisers announced yesterday.
The 98th edition of the race begins with an 18km test on May 9 and finishes on May 31.
The first three stages will take place in the region of Liguria, with a second stage from Albenga to Genoa, which is expected to end in a sprint finish and the third – from Chiavari to La Spezia – a hilly stage designed to test the overall contenders.
Italian champion Vincenzo Nibali, who last Sunday won the Tour de France, is interested in racing the Giro, a race he won in 2013.
Nibali, who also won the 2010 Vuelta a Espana, said in the organisers’ route announcement: “The Giro d’Italia is very important for me and I would like to send my regards to everyone.
“I have a very special bond with this race because it’s the race that launched me on to the Grand Tour scene.
“I can say I wish to come back in 2015.”
The 2014 Giro d’Italia began in Belfast.