Israel will host the three opening stages of next year's Giro d'Italia, the first time a cycling classic race will be held outside Europe.
The 101st edition of the Giro will open with a 10.1km individual time trial on May 4 in Jerusalem, followed by road races on the next two days, between Haifa and Tel Aviv (167km) and Beersheba and Eilat (226km).
The Giro, along with the Tour de France and Spain's Vuelta comprise the world's three major cycling tours.
"For us, who for years have spoken about internationalisation of the Giro, to come to Israel is a unique opportunity to talk about Italy in this country," Giro administrator Mauro Vegni said at the launch.
The event has also been embraced by Israeli authorities aiming to boost tourism and is set to be one of the largest international sports events ever staged in the country, as it celebrates 70 years since its founding in 1948.
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"It's a great honour for us to host the Giro d'Italia, it shows the world has confidence in the ability of the state of Israel to organise a very big sports event," Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said.
He said he did not expect political pressures to disrupt the race, and maps provided by the organisers show that the stages will be run in territory held by Israel before the 1967 Middle East war.
Although Israel is situated on the western edge of Asia, its sports organisations are affiliated with Europe. Around 200 riders are expected to compete.
Israel hopes to enter a wildcard team, said Canadian-born Israeli Sylvan Adams, one of the organisers, who added that it was he who persuaded Giro officials to bring the race to the country.
