A good million francs for a cycling festival

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One Corona case after another, bad weather, crashes, snowy passes and no cyclist to ride at the front: the Giro is not making it easy for Swiss cycling fans at the moment. And yet Wallis is looking forward to a very special cycling festival. On Friday, the tour of Italy branches abroad and visits Switzerland. Not with an everyday stage, but with the toughest part of the first 13 days of the Giro. It goes over the Great St. Bernard (if only through the tunnel) and over the Croix de Coeur before the final climb to Crans-Montana arrives.

“It’s going to be a very special spectacle,” said OC CEO Steve Morabito. In any case, the former professional cyclist does not let it spoil his mood, on the contrary: “I get a lot of messages and questions from people who are really looking forward to the Giro.” The Giro will then start in Sierre on Saturday, before the field of participants returns to Italy via the Simplon Pass.

Taxpayers asked to pay

The budget for the two Giro days is just over one million Swiss francs. The largest amount goes to the Italian race organization, which brings its infrastructure. So you don’t have to worry about the finish area and all the obstacles in Switzerland. Another large part goes to the security system. “We will have 1,400 people to ensure safety on the route. Fortunately, we don’t have to close the roads all day like in the Tour de France, but only close them a few hours before the pros drive through,” says Morabito .

The rest of the money goes to areas such as communication and animation. “Without the contributions of the canton and municipalities, it would not be possible to organize something like this.” Some private partners also help set up the financing.

«Great added value»

The taxpayer is being asked to pay for the Swiss Giro event. Morabito is convinced that this is exactly what is worth doing. “The added value we have is enormous. The hotels and restaurants are full and many cycling enthusiasts from other countries get to know our beautiful landscape. That leaves a lasting impression – many will later spend their holidays here,” Morabito is convinced. In addition, there are the TV images, which, according to the Giro organization, reach 1.49 million viewers daily in Italy alone.

When asked what he personally hopes for on the stage that ends in Crans-Montana, the 2018 Swiss champion said: “Beautiful weather and a crash-free race. But if I could name the winner, it would be Thibaut Pinot. ” The background: Morabito raced in a team with the Frenchman until his retirement four years ago. “He also ends his career at the end of the year. It would be great if he can celebrate such a victory now.”

Source : Blick