Wednesday 14 September 2016 15:41, UK
The Giro d'Italia's 100th edition will start from the island of Sardinia in 2017, organisers revealed on Wednesday.
The three-week grand tour begins with a stage from Alghero to Olbia before the peloton rides to Tortoli, followed by Cagliari.
"I am very proud to see that the Giro will start from my homeland," said Italian Fabio Aru, the 2015 Vuelta a Espana champion, who was born in San Gavino Monreale.
"It would be fantastic for me to take part in the race."
The Giro has only visited Sardinia three times - in 1961, 1991, when it hosted the 'grand depart', and 2007.
The rest of the course will be unveiled on October 25, eight days after the Tour de France route is announced in Paris.
