Israeli officials have confirmed that one of the world’s most prominent cyling races will start next year in Israel, in what will be the biggest sporting event ever held in the country.

In its 101 year history, no stage of the Giro d’Italia, or either of cycling’s two other Grand Tours, has ever taken place outside of Europe. However, a spokesman for Israeli sports minister Miri Regev confirmed that the first three legs of the 2018 race will be in Israel and called a press conference for Monday when the precise route will be revealed.

"We are proud to host in Israel any international competition and of course the Giro, which is an important competition with the world's best riders," the spokesman told the AFP news agency.

It is believed that the Giro will start in the capital. The Cycling News website reports that the first stage is likely to be a time trial in Jerusalem, with another stage likely to take place in southern Israel and the third near Tel Aviv, along the Mediterranean coast. The event is likely to attract tens of thousands of cycling fans to Israel to watch 175 of the world’s top cyclists.

The Israeli government will reportedly be contributing significantly towards the running costs of the race. It will also be taking responsibility for security, with the event expected to become the biggest security operation in Israel’s history.