Florence's Bid to Host 2014 Tour de France Start Fails

Florence's bid to host the start of the 2014 Tour de France in honor of Gino Bartali, 100 years from his birth, has failed. Italy has never hosted the start of the Tour de France.

Today's Tour de France announcement said, "The organisers of the Tour de France are pleased to announce that the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2014 will take place in the United Kingdom in the county of Yorkshire, before heading to London for a stage finish.The Grand Départ of the 101st edition of the Tour will take place on 5th July in Leeds in the county of Yorkshire."

Bartali won the Tour de France in 1938 and 1948, the only cyclist to win before and after WW II and holds the record for the longest time between two titles. He also won the Giro d'Italia three times, 1936, 1937 and 1946.

Related stories:
Coppi, Baratli and the Legendary Photo
Bartali - Tribute to the Italian Champion on Holocaust Memorial Day 

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