2006 Giro D'Italia - Significance of The Belgian Opening

Significance of The Belgian Opening

The 2006 Giro opened, and had its first 4 stages in the South-East of Belgium in the Wallonia region. The Giro organisers chose to locate the opening in this region as a homage to the thousands of Italians who moved to the region following the end of World War II in order to find jobs in the coal mines of the area. It is estimated that as many as 300'000 Belgians of Italian origin live in this area. The 2006 Giro commemorated the deaths of 136 Italian miners who died in the 1956 Bois du Cazier mine disaster.

Read more about this topic:  2006 Giro D'Italia

Famous quotes containing the words significance of the, significance, belgian and/or opening:

    It is necessary not to be Christian to appreciate the beauty and significance of the life of Christ.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty, to interpret it is his problem, and to express it his dedication.
    Marlon Brando (b. 1924)

    This fat pistache of Belgian grapes exceeds
    The total gala of auburn aureoles.
    Cochon! Master, the grapes are here and now.
    Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)

    Haven’t you heard, though,
    About the ships where war has found them out
    At sea, about the towns where war has come
    Through opening clouds at night with droning speed
    Further o’erhead than all but stars and angels
    And children in the ships and in the towns?
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)