Washington mayor requests 2012 Giro d’Italia to start in US capital

Washington requests 2012 Giro start

MILAN — The mayor of Washington will reportedly meet with organizers of the Giro d’Italia to request that the start of the 2012 race be held in the U.S. capital.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Wednesday that Adrian Fenty will discuss the idea with race director Angelo Zomegnan on Thursday.

Last month, a working group exploring a U.S. start to the 2012 Giro said two stages in Washington were being considered, a prologue and a stage race. The course would include all of Washington’s main sights, including the Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and the White House.

New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto are also reported to be interested in hosting the first leg held in North America.