Trasa stého ročníku cyklistického závodu Giro d’Italia jako prostor k obnovování italské národní identity (i představení Itálie zahraniční veřejnosti)
The 100th Edition of the Cycling Race Giro d’Italia and Its Route As a Space for the Restoration of Italian National Identity (As Well As the Presentation of Italy to Foreign Public)

Summary/Abstract: It is possible to say that Giro d’Italia, the road cycling race through Italy, has had a huge popularity mainly, but not exclusively, among the Italians since it was held for the first time in 1909. Some authors even mention, Giro d’Italia did for the formation of the common Italian identity more than the political representatives of the state, which was born in 1861. The fact that the 100th edition of the race took place in 2017 is the proof of its popularity. In the context of this anniversary, its organizers wanted to prepare the wholly Italian race where it would be clearly observed the legacy of the Italian history and of the local cycling, including the presentation of the most famous cyclists from Italy in the history. The aim of this article is to analyse the route of Giro d’Italia 2017 and its presentation as a space that could help to Italians to recognize their Italian identity, even if the local cyclists were not as successful during the 100th edition of the race as the organizers would have wished. Also I would like to mention that in the second decade of the 21st century this cycling race is definitely a popular sporting event all around the world. Not only it has a potential to present itself to the foreign public, but also to promote whole Italy in the most positive way. I think, it is certainly possible to use Giro d’Italia as a tool of the Italian sports diplomacy.

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