5 reasons why we can’t wait for this year’s Giro!

From Volcanos to Italian villas, Roman ruins to the Apennines’ pointed peaks, we’re pumped for the
Pink!

True to its adage of being the “toughest race in the world’s most beautiful place!”, Giro 2020 has more than a few riders reeling with anticipation. Balancing ferocity with its traditional elegance and grace, the 103rd edition of the corsa rosa is no joke! — declared nothing short of “filthy” by Mitchelton Scott’s Sports Directeur Matt White.

“It’s a filthy Giro, that last week has five mountain stages and three of them are over 200 kilometres, plus the TT.”

Here’s why we just can’t wait for Giro d’Italia 2020!

1. Tough Stages and Time Trials!

In fact many riders thought TDF would be the hardest race of 2020 until Giro officially announced its route last October. Compared to the single TT at this year’s Tour, the Giro is hosting no fewer than three. Plus, it has much longer stages — with 10 passing the 200km mark, as opposed to just one on the Tour. The grueling final week is full of Alpine passes, and totals over 5,000 meters of climbing.

Then there is also the Stelvio, or the “Sacred Mountain” — this year’s Cima Coppi, bar none. It’s one of Europe’s highest passes and besides being a spectacle just to behold, it’s truly a climb like no other.
Boasting a 24.7km approach that has an average gradient of 7.4% and 48 unbelievable hairpin “tornanti,” 21 more than Alpe d’Huez, if you can believe it. Getting to the 2,700 meter summit will be an epic feat, especially by the 18th stage of the race when riders will be pushing themselves to the limit as the finish draws nearer.
To cap it off, everything comes down to the wire in a final TT through Milan, masterfully crafted for an explosive end of the race, where riders will have to jockey for the grand finale; The Maglia Rosa.

2. Grande Partenza: Budapest!

Giro d’Italia has become famous in recent years for its internationality. This year marks the 14th time that it’s started outside of Italy. And it’s only natural for a country so centrally located in the heart of Europe. With Budapest decking itself out in pink lighting just weeks ago to mark the coming start of the Giro, it will be exhilarating to see one of cycling’s biggest races in a region of the world very rarely showcased. This brings the race to wider audiences and creates deeper bonds between nations.

3. Carapaz, Sagan, Nibali

Sagan always brings the heat, and this is the first time he’ll be bringing it to the Italian Tour, a race he has long anticipated — to the extent he’s even jokingly floated the prospect of retirement afterwards.
But Sagan won’t be alone, Carapaz will be riding for Team Ineos to defend his title after last year’s win and it ought to be a brutal competition between the two of them. Then of course there is The Shark, two time Giro winner Vincenzo Nibali, who’ll be riding for Trek-Segafredo and will be keen to land another Pink Jersey.

4. Home of The Pirate

Marco Pantani, cycling legend known as the “Il Pirata” (the Pirate), will receive special homage this year with Stage 12 beginning and ending in his home town of Cesenatico, Emilia Romagna. Pantani is one of the most beloved, tragic, and controversial figures in cycling history. An explosive climber, called “Il Pirata” for his bald head, bandana, and pirate-like earrings, he is the last person to have won the TDF and Giro in the same year and is considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

Pantani’s statue on the promenade of Cesenatico, Emilia Romagna

5. The wine, the Food, the Cheese

Tourissimo will be following the Italian Tour this year from Cesenatico, through Emilia Romagna and into Veneto. Besides stunning performances from the world’s top athletes, the excitement and roar of international crowds, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape, one thing we can’t wait for of course, is the food, the wine, the cappuccinos, the Italian way. Emilia Romagna is one of Italy’s richest culinary centers with some of Italy’s most famous dishes: tortellini, prosciutto, parmigiano, ragu’, piadina. lasagna.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience cycling the Italian way now is the time! Come join the excitement! Join Tourissimo for this year’s Giro 2020!!

Dates: May 16–23, 2020. Click for more info!

This article by Beppe Salerno (myself), the founder of Tourissimo, an Active Travel Company, has been edited for Medium. See the original article here. Thank you for recommending this article here on Medium.