Denmark to host 2012 Giro start

Denmark will host the first three stages of the 2012 Giro d'Italia, the Italian grand tour organisers announced today - the first time that the race has visited Scandinavia.

Herning will host the start and finish of the opening time trial on Saturday May 5, and the opening road stage the following day.

The race then shifts to Horsens for a 200 kilometre road stage before returning to its homeland of Italy.

It had been strongly rumoured 12 months ago that the 2012 Giro would start in the USA, possibly in Washington DC - but this has proved not to be the case.

"At RCS Sport we are impressed by the commitment and professional approach that the Danish authorities have displayed while creating and presenting the project to host the Giro d'Italia in their Country," said Giacomo Catano, CEO of Giro organiser RCS Sport.

"In turn, RCS Sport will put maximum effort in providing value and visibility to the grand opening in Denmark to more than 300 million fans of the Giro all over the world.

"It is an opportunity that we are pleased to offer to this wonderful Country and its charming people, to showcase their well-known tolerant and hospitable lifestyle. Our claim will be: 'The toughest race in world's most beautiful place meets the happiest people in the world!'"

The 2011 Giro d'Italia starts in Turin with a team time trial on May 7 and finishes in Milan on May 29.

Ceremonial signing of the wheel

Giacomo Catano, CEO of RCS Sport

Angelo Zomegnan, Giro director, says 'thanks!'

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