The
Giro d'Italia (; ) is an annual
stage race bicycle race primarily held in
Italy, while also occasionally passing through nearby countries. The race was first organized in
1909 to increase sales of the newspaper
La Gazzetta dello Sport; however it is currently run by
RCS Sport. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1909, except when it was stopped for the two
world wars. As the Giro gained prominence and popularity the race was lengthened, and the peloton expanded from primarily Italian participation to riders from all over the world. The Giro is a
UCI World Tour event, which means that the teams that compete in the race are mostly
UCI Proteams, with the exception of the teams that the organizers can invite.