site.btaVeliko Tarnovo Preparing at Full Speed for Giro D'Italia, Says Deputy Mayor Nedev

Veliko Tarnovo is gearing up in full swing to host the Giro d'Italia cycling race, Deputy Mayor for sports, youth activities, tourism, and demographic policies Georgi Nedev told BTA on Thursday. The city is included in the programme of the Grande Partenza - the grand start of Giro d'Italia, with the first three stages to take place in Bulgaria between May 8 and 10. On the second day of the competition, the cyclists will start in Burgas (on the Black Sea) and finish in Veliko Tarnovo.

"This is perhaps the biggest event for Bulgaria and certainly for Veliko Tarnovo. We are preparing at full speed. This is the first time we are hosting something like this, so we are learning as we go, but the interest is huge. All the clubs are mobilized and are reaching out to the municipality on their own to organize various initiatives during the Giro itself. We will include the Bulgarche Ensemble, we will bring the sports clubs together in a parade, and we will organize a procession to showcase all of Tarnovo’s assets and all the talented children," explained Nedev.

"The Tsarevets Fortress has already been lit up in pink. On the day of the final, it will also be lit up in pink. For three days, we will have a stage with a large screen on which to broadcast the Giro live. This will be in the square in front of the Asenevtsi Monument. The evening will end with a concert, which we will announce a little later," he added.

"Perhaps there are still people in Tarnovo who are not aware of what is coming. There are many things we explain - for example, why the Giro d’Italia jersey is pink. I did not know this story myself, but the reason is that the newspaper that gives away the jersey was printed with pink pages because the ink had been mixed up at the printing press. We are trying to keep citizens well-informed, so they know that the Giro is coming and that the city will be closed for an entire day. I hope, however, that they will head downtown and immerse themselves in the atmosphere and scale of this race. I urge citizens and visitors to leave their cars behind for a day, have fun, and witness something grand with such a rich history. I hope that the tourism brand will also perform well and that all tourists who come will be satisfied. We want this event to have a big impact and to continue to bring new tourists to our city," concluded Nedev.

Nedev was among the officials at the unveiling of the clock in Sofia that will count down the time until the start of Giro d’Italia.