Giro d’Italia 2018 from Jerusalem to Eliat

Giro d’Italia 2018 from Jerusalem to Eliat

Big. Really big.

As predicted, the Giro d’Italia took over the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Grio d'Italia book and press tag for Jerusalem start

The information book was big and heavy. The press passes required ID photos.

Near finish line of Jerusalem Giro d'Italia huge I love Jerusalem sign

The ‘I love Jerusalem’ sign near the finish line was big, the biggest I have seen.

Jerusalem street closed to build finish line for Giro d'Italia start

Streets were closed on Thursday to construct the start and finish lines, and the spectator boxes near Mamilla Mall and the Old City.

Scene near Old City Jerusalem Giro d'Italia

Thousands of people came to support and report on the 176 riders of 22 participating international teams. Italian- speaking tour guides were in demand, but English was also the main language.

Bahrain in Jerusalem for Giro d'Italia

I met two riders from the Bahrain team who were window shopping in Mamilla Mall.

Jerusalem Israel Giro d'Italia stage in Municipal Square for opening ceremony

Bahrain was one of two Arab countries which sponsored cycling teams.

Jerusalem Giro d'Italia cyclists from UAE

UAE, United Arab Emirates, also had a team of riders in Israel.

Two cyclists from in Jerusalem Israel for Giro d'Italia

Warm-up runs through the Jerusalem, Israel streets, were easier to photograph,

Giro d'Italia rider in Jerusalem Israel

as riders were not flying by as quickly as they were for individual time trials held all afternoon.

Jerusalem Giro d'Italia

Teams could be seen pacing their turns together.

Jerusalem Giro d'Italia finish line

At the finish line, crowds came early to get a good spot.

Finish line Jerusalem Giro d'Italia

These big stands at the finish line hosted the VIP spectators on Friday.

Giro d'Italia preparations in Jerusalem Israel

On Thursday, there were piles of building materials.

In honor of Gino Bartali an honor ride before Giro d'Italia

Before the official time trials began, the media gathered for a special ride in memory of Italian cyclist hero Gino Bartali. If you do not know his story, look HERE how he saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Jerusalem Cycling Academy set to ride Giro d'Italia in Jerusalem Israel

Oops, anyone can have a false start.

At a press conference before the Giro d’Italia began, cycling promoter Sylvan Adams told of his vision for Israel and Giro d’Italia.  Israel Cycling Academy General Manager Ran Margaliot added his thanks to Adams for initiating and funding this first Giro d’Italia outside of Europe, while Guy Niv, one of the two Israeli cyclists, sat and listened closely.

Helicopters flew over the riders with cameras to broadcast the race around the world. After Jerusalem, the Giro d’Italia went north for Stage 2, and then south from Beer Sheva to Eilat for Stage 3,  Along the way Bedouin came out from their tents to watch. After the 229 kilometer ride through the desert Elia Viviani won the Stage 3, as well as the Stage 2 from Haifa-Tel Aviv.

Jerusalem Giro d'Italia

The big, pink Giro d’Italia took over the Jerusalem streets. The cyclist from Bahrain explained the color to me. The Italian sports paper from over 100 years ago when the Giro d’Italia began, was printed on pink paper.

It was almost possible to overlook Lag B’Omer this year. In some neighborhoods the bonfires were fewer and smaller.

Chabad Lag B'Omer parade in Jerusalem at Mamilla Mall

However, these boys leading a Lag B’Omer children’s parade from Mamilla Mall drummed loud enough to remind everyone.

After an overnight stay in Eilat the Giro d’Italia has a three hour flight to Catania, for a rest and the next stage.

The race ends in Rome on May 27, 2018.

With the Giro d’Italia completed in Israel, streets in Jerusalem will go back to blue and white.

Preparations for Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, are especially significant this year with announcement of US Embassy moving, and other embassies returning to Jerusalem.

However, for more Jerusalem Giro d’Italia photos please look HERE 

Shabbat Shalom

Giro d’Italia has taken over the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Thousands have come to Jerusalem, Israel, for the professional cycling event.

A billion are to watch on live televised showing of the race.

This ‘I love Jerusalem’ sign will show as cyclists reach the finish line.

Zahal Square with I love Jerusalem sign for Giro d'Italia

שבת שלום

Shabbat shalom

Jerusalem: Blue, White and Pink

Jerusalem: Blue, White and Pink

After heavy rains, blue skies were seen again over Jerusalem, Israel, by the end of the week.

View of Montefiore Windmill and King David Hotel Jerusalem Israel

Friday morning, in spite of rain in the forecast, the Montefiore Windmill, with King David Hotel in the distance, stood against the blue sky over Mishkanot Sha’ananim.

Blue and white flags over Jerusalem Israel streets

After Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day 70 years, flags did not come down. Even more blue and white flags have been hung in anticipation of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day.

Israel, Jerusalem and Beit Hanasi flags

The new flags that were hung near Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, withstood the heavy rains.

Flag and flowers in Yemin Moshe Jerusalem Israel

This blue and white Israeli flag was hung on a gate in Yemin Moshe neighborhood.

After heavy rain water collected in site near Begin Center

But also on Friday morning there was evidence of the rain storms. You may have seen a video of water rushing through Yoel Salomon Street, carrying tables and shopping carts in the flooded road.

Stone fence down in Valley of Cross In Jerusalem Israel

Here in the Valley of the Cross, part of a stone fence fell down. I could not believe it the first time I saw the damage. It looks like heavy trucks hit it.

Stone fence down after days of heavy rain in Jerusalem

However, it appears two days of water flooding down the hill from the Rechavia neighborhood pushed over the old stones, and flattened the tall grass.

Memorial candles for 10 drowned students in flash flood in Negev

A flash flood in the south took the lives of 10 young Israelis. Memorial candles remain this week in Zion Square after a late night memorial gathering.

Two men washing traffic lights in Jerusalem

So after so much water, crews were out power washing traffic lights?

Flowers at Jerusalem intersection in butterfly frame

These flowers seemed to appreciate the soaking. Nearby in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, a large tree that fell was removed quickly.

NFNY cyclists on road in Jerusalem

In spite of the weather, professional cyclists were out on Friday morning for the Grand Fondo, GFNY.  Streets were closed for the cycling event.

But, their colors were green.

Pink?

Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria lobby flowers are pink orchids

Pink orchids in the lobby of the Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria are not unusual.

Waldorf Astoria entrance with Israel Cycling Academy bus outside

But the Giro d’Italia is based at the hotel, and the bus of the Israel Cycling Academy was waiting outside.

Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria pink for Giro d'Italia

Not only has the hotel gone pink for the Giro d’Italia, check out those shoe laces – pink.

The Giro d’Itaia is the 3rd largest sporting event in world, after the World Cup and Tour de France.

The first start ever outside of Europe is taking place in — Jerusalem, Israel!

Kikar Safra for Giro d'Italia and Yom Yerushahaliym

Kikar Safra has large blue and white flags on display, plus pink signs near the giant stage set for Thursday evening’s preview opening.

Press conference for Israel Cycling Academy at Waldorf Astoria for Giro d'Iatalia

The Israel Cycling Academy includes professional cyclists from 16 locations around the world. Eight professional riders met with the media.

Their success in a only a few years is impressive. More here and next week on Giro d’Italia.

Jerusalem Education Week

Also in Jerusalem, new signs are up for education week.

lag B'Omer bonfire in Jerusalem, Israel

Finally, one of my favorite scenes from this week. A group of parents were out in the evening supervising an early Lag B’Omer medurah in an area set aside for large bonfires.

Lag B’Omer with its huge fires should fill the air with smoke starting Wednesday night at sunset.

However, this year, though there was so much rain last week, it is hot and dry today. A ban on bonfires has been declared.

Rain is again in the forecast. The only thing for sure here, is that there is no sure thing.

Projects for sustainability for Jerusalem

New signs announcing events for “Creating Sustainability in Jerusalem” were posted.  Cycling and fewer bonfires are a start.

Jerusalem street signs for cycling events

Many residents are not happy with street closings for the cycling events. But I hope people will get out and appreciate the positive world attention focused on Israel as billions watch the Giro d’Italia Start in Jerusalem, going north and then down to Eilat.

There was so much more happening this week in Jerusalem, but enough for now.

Hard to believe that next week will there will be much more happening.