Giuseppe Rivolta has had a long association with the Giro d'Italia Donne, organizing the event for 18 years before PMG Sport/Starlight took over the event management in 2021.

Livolta praised PMG Sport/Starlight for improving the event over the past three years, but also welcomed the news that RCS Sport will take over from 2024 to 2027, saying the race will "stand on its own feet."

"I am pleased that interest in the Giro Donne is growing. In the past there was a call for entries, but no one actually participated, so we asked the previous year's organizers," Livolta said in an interview with BiciPro.

"This time, I think it was also the driving force behind the assignment of the U23 Giro. Bringing [the Giro Donne and the U23 Giro] together made it a more attractive package for the organizers. It means that the Giro Donne has gained prestige over the years. And it's all thanks to me."

After a carefully crafted bidding process, the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) confirmed that RCS Sport was the sole candidate and that RCS Sport would host the Giro d'Italia Giovani Under 23 for a five-year term and the Giro d'Italia Donne for a four-year term.

"Roberto Luini arrived in 2021 with Starlight and was able to put together two beautiful competitions.

"And starting next year, the race will be in great hands by RCS Sport. They are the best prepared. The Giro Donne can stand on its own two feet."

RCS Sport already organizes the men's Giro d'Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo, Il Lombardia, and Strade Bianche for men and women, as well as many other smaller races.

The Giro d'Italia Donne is now organized by PMG Sport/Starlight, the organization that took over the 2021 and 2022 women's stage races from Rivolta.

PMG Sport/Starlight told Cycling News that it will continue to host the Giro d'Italia Donne in 2023, running from June 30 to July 9, until RCS Sport takes over next year. However, there has been a lack of information about the route, leading to complaints that teams are unable to plan their major goals for the season.

"Last year we started our site visits at the end of February, so I can say that for now we are still on the same roadmap. But we understand that teams, athletes, and the general public want to know about the course. Again, this means there is a lot of interest, which is really good," Livolta said.

PMG Sports/Starlight told Cycling News that they are currently discussing a finish in Sardinia and a departure from Rome.

Rivolta said that if it were up to him, he would have announced the details of the route earlier, but he believes there is a reason why PMG Sport/Starlight has not announced the route details.

"Personally, based on what we have done in the past, I would have done it, if only to soften this moment of silence. We played early. But this is my opinion. If Starlight decided not to do so, there was certainly a good reason. In any case, we knew about the Giro Donne [route] last year on March 10.

Asked if he thought this year's race was in jeopardy, Rivolta replied, "Let me give you an answer that, for me, is probably the most important thing on our call. Federici Crisumo will not allow it and someone will organize it. If they need me, I am ready.

The Giro d'Italia Donne is one of the most historic races on the women's calendar and the only one that offers 10 days of riding over iconic passes such as Stelvio, Zoncolan, Gavia, and Mortirolo. 2023 will mark the 34th anniversary of the race.

For now, the event occupies the first week of July on the international calendar, but organizers have hinted at a future date change. Last year and this year, the event was held just before the Tour de France Femme, also in July. Livolta said he would like to see the race expanded to two weeks in the future.

"The current 10 stages are very good, but we want to gradually lengthen them, adding a fraction every two years until we get to two weeks. Sunday to Sunday with two days of rest in between was achieved at the turn of the millennium, and I hope we can do that for the RCS. For me, the Giro Donne has the potential to overtake the Tour de France Femme."