Following the Giro d’Italia: The Great Italian Race

If you’re cycling enthusiast and have never witnessed the thrill of the Giro d’Italia, then you should consider Ciclismo Classico’s Follow the Giro in May of 2017. I’ve lead professional race trips for over a decade, spanning the Belgium classics to the Tour de France. However, no other race in the world gives you the best in cycling with the best Italy has to offer.

Unlike its famous French counterpart, the Giro d’Italia is considered the beginning of the big summer-stage races. During the Giro, fans can start to pick their favorite racer and follow him through the race (even on Strava!) and through the rest of the season. The race itself is an opportunity for the locals to get together. Spring get-togethers and town events line the medieval streets and of course, there is always a big turnout for the mountain stages. What is unique about Ciclismo Classico’s trip to the Giro is the fact that we have connections with the local race organizers and know exactly where and when to get onto the racecourse—and where the fun is!

Nobody knows how to party like the Italians in May! Whether it’s a street party complete with pasta lunch and sausages or the local Braulio being passed around spectators on a mountaintop, this is the electricity of the Giro d’Italia that no television can transmit. This isn’t just a bike race: it’s one of the world’s oldest and largest European parties. And just think: a lot of this happens at altitude!

You may have heard of a few of the iconic passes: Zoncolan, Gavia, Mortirolo, and Stelvio. Our avid cyclists find these mountains challenging, but not impossible. The pros usually tackle a number of these passes in one 180-km (110-mile) stretch, but we’ll do one or two a day, covering probably 90 kilometers (55 miles). But really, it’s the vertical feet you need to watch out for!

This year marks the 100^th edition of the Giro d’Italia and highlights the history of the race as well as the country. These mountain passes were made famous by legendary cyclists in the past century, like Fausto Coppi in 1953 on Stelvio; Gilberto Simoni in 2003 on Zoncolan; Charley Gaul in 1960 and Andy Hampsten in 1988 on Gavia; and Marco Pantani on Mortirolo in 1994. These epic battles through the elements and amongst each other forged the race as we know it today. Who knows what legends will be created next year? Those senses of accomplishment, victory, camaraderie and celebration are the same emotions you’ll find on our Follow the Giro trip this spring. Come join us!