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The Giro d’Italia 2016 is to start in Holland. The opening three stages of the Italian Grand Tour will be hosted by the Dutch cities of Apeldoorn, Arnhem and Nijmegen in the province of Gelderland. As it’s one of the most popular cycling regions in Holland, why not take the opportunity to get on your bike and explore the area yourself?
Cycling along the River Waal near Nijmegen. Photo © Holland-Cycling.comCycling along the River Waal near Nijmegen. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com

“We are really happy to start the Giro d’Italia from the Netherlands for the third time in the race’s history,” said Mauro Vegni, the Giro d’Italia race director. It’s the 12th time the Giro d’Italia will start outside Italy. In 2002 the Grand Partenza was hosted by Groningen and in 2010 by Amsterdam.

Excellent for cycling

Jan Markink of the Provincial of Gelderland said: “I am very proud and excited to host the Big Start of the Giro d’Italia in 2016. The Giro in Gelderland will give us the opportunity to show the world how beautiful and unique Gelderland is with its diverse scenery and its magnificent cities. I believe that an international event like the Giro d’Italia will boost our economy, the sport and the promotion of Gelderland."

"Gelderland has a lot to offer, not only because of its rich cultural history and splendid museums but also when it comes to nature with excellent paths for cyclists and hikers. We will offer you a great experience in a fantastic surrounding, and make the Big Start of the Giro d’Italia 2016 a start to remember!”

The definite route will be presented at the beginning of October. We'll publish GPX files of the opening three stages when they're available, so you can follow in the tracks of your cycling heroes.

Exploring Gelderland by bike

Gelderland is one of the most popular cycling regions in Holland. If you want to explore the area yourself by bike, you can cycle one of the long-distance cycle routes that take you through Gelderland. We also have three day trips in the area, starting in Apeldoorn, Arnhem and Nijmegen, that you can download for free.

For an overview of all our day trips in Holland, go to: Day trips.

Day trips in the province of Gelderland

Arnhem Airborne Cycle Route
Battle of Arnhem - A Bridge Too Far
Distance: 38 or 27 km

This route takes you to the major landmarks of the Battle of Arnhem in WWII. Highlights of the route are the Airborne Cemetery and Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' in Oosterbeek.

Apeldoorn Cycle Route
Het Loo Palace and the Royal Forest
Distance: 44 km

This route takes you through the extensive woodlands and heather fields of the Veluwe, an area of outstanding natural beauty extremely popular with cyclists. Highlight of the route is Het Loo Palace, once the residence of the Dutch royal family.

Nijmegen Cycle Route
Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta
Distance: 46 or 34 km

This route takes you along the banks of the River Waal to the German border and the head of the Rhine Delta. Highlight of the route is the oldest town of Holland, Nijmegen, which played a crucial role in WWII.