In a bid to strengthen its international presence and emphasize leadership in the sport watch arena, Timex (Timex Group Italia) said it will be the “official timing sponsor” of the 85th edition of the Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s most prestigious multi-stage bicycle events. The Giro d’Italia, a month-long bicycle race, is a grueling mix of time trials, mountain stages and high-speed segments.

Timex has long been committed to the sport timing needs of athletes, serving professionals and amateurs alike with exclusive and practical innovations, says Jim Katz, Timex Public Relations Manager. Its Timex Ironman series has been America’s leading performance sport watch since 1986.

This year’s Giro will cover some 3,200 km (1,988 miles) in 20 different stages in six European countries. The race begins May 11 in Groeningen, Holland, and continues into France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg before reaching Italy. Some six million people follow the Giro d’Italia `live’ along the course, and some 70 million follow the event through TV and Press coverage worldwide.

JCK