Preparations for Giro d'Italia in full swing in Goriška region
Nova Gorica/Brda, 12 May - The municipalities of Brda and Nova Gorica are all set for the 15th stage of the Giro that will take place on 23 May and will run from Grado to Gorizia across Slovenia. Numerous activities are under way to make this an unforgettable day, although it is not yet clear whether spectators will be allowed to watch the race from the sides.
Nova Gorica.
Press conference of municipalities of Nova Gorica and Brda, where the organization of 15th stage of Giro d'Italia 2021 was presented.
Photo: Nova Gorica Municipality
Nova Gorica.
Press conference of municipalities of Nova Gorica and Brda, where the organization of 15th stage of Giro d'Italia 2021 was presented.
Pictured: Nova Gorica Mayor Klemen Miklavčič (left) and the Gorizia Mayor, Enzo Ziberna.
Photo: Nova Gorica Municipality
Nova Gorica.
Press conference of municipalities of Nova Gorica and Brda, where the organization of 15th stage of Giro d'Italia 2021 was presented.
Pictured: Enzo Cainero, organizer of stages in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
Photo: Nova Gorica Municipality
Nova Gorica.
Press conference of municipalities of Nova Gorica and Brda, where the organization of 15th stage of Giro d'Italia 2021 was presented.
Photo: Nova Gorica Municipality
Verona, Italy
One of the stages of this year's Giro d'Italia to cross into Slovenia. Pictured is a detail from the 2019 race in the Italian city of Verona.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
As part of the European Capital of Culture programme, Nova Gorica has selected eight artists to create wall paintings and wall installations along the route of the stage.
The fence at the border crossing in Nova Gorica will feature artwork by children from local schools and kindergartens. Schools will also organise numerous activities.
There will be a station for electric bikes in Nova Gorica's main square, while students from local secondary schools will create bicycles that will measure 80 centimetres, painted green and pink, to announce the arrival of the Giro and the Tour of Slovenia.
They will be placed on smaller roundabouts in Nova Gorica and Brda, whereas larger roundabouts along the route will feature flags with logos of Giro and Tour of Slovenia. The organisers will even plant pink roses on some spots along the route.
A paraglider will fly over the area and land in Nova Gorica, and the firefighters from both sides of the border will form a 25 metre high tunnel above the road using their ladders. There will also be two giant jerseys along the route and live performances from the NOVA Musical Society and Nova Gorica Brass band.
Pink lights will shine on the largest hotel, the Solkan Bridge, the town halls of both municipalities, a villa and a castle. Panoramic benches will be placed in Brda, and the local tourist farms will promote their cuisine.
Enzo Cainero, who is in charge of the Giro's stages in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giuila, said that this was a great opportunity to showcase cross-border cooperation and establish good relationships for possible future organisation of such important events.
Mayor of Nova Gorica Klemen Miklavčič also emphasised the connecting side of such events.
"Events like Giro d'Italia connect people. Cycling is one of the most popular sports in Slovenia and across Europe at this moment. This is a perfect chance to show the world what our twin cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia are all about: coexistence, optimism and creativity."
Mayor of Brda Franc Mužič pointed out the picturesqueness of the region that the whole world will be able to see. "We are pleased and honoured that the best cyclists of the world will ride through our villages during the cherry blossom season, as cherries are a symbol of our municipality."
He believes the event will also be an important opportunity to restart tourism after the COVID-19 epidemic.