The Giro di Sardegna is making a comeback after a 12-year absence. Despite the long time between drinks there's an air of excitement surrounding the event that serves to promote that region of Italy, much in the way the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon or the Vuelta Ciclista a Comunidad Valenciana has in the past.
Unlike the rejuvenation of this race, its Spanish equivalents are facing tough times this year due to the lack of sponsorship funds available.
The five-day race around Sardinia was revitalised when it hosted the team time trial which opened the 2007 Giro d'Italia. The success of that event proved that the island known for its tourist attractions could possibly once again host top-level racing.
It promises to be just that, with the likes of Danilo Di Luca, Alessandro Petacchi and Daniele Bennati heading to the island in addition to their countryman in the rainbow stripes (Alessandro Ballan) for some sun and tough miles as preparation for the Spring Classics.
