The iconic three-week race is a monumental production and an event that has to be seen (or experienced) to be believed.
As our anticipation builds for our annual Giro d’Italia Tour next week, we’re reflecting on a few of the many reasons why this tour should be on all cyclists’ bucket-lists.
A’qto’s tour dates for 2019 have just been announced and expressions of interest are open:
https://www.aqtocycling.com/tours/giro-d-italia/
Here are our top six reasons to come to Italy with us to follow the Giro:
1. The Dolomites: the climbs, the landscape and the snow.
This is a landscape that is unparalleled in its rugged beauty and is always a feature on the Giro route. With climbs like Passo Giau, Marmolada, Campolongo, Sella Ronda, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Falzarego and Valporola, there are plenty of roads to offer you a challenge day after day.
The continual mental battle required to get to the top of each mountain and the immense rewards once this has been achieved is where the fun lies. It’s in the challenge.
2. The Food: the speck, the pasta and the vino
The ultimate post-ride reward for us is a local beer or wine and the region’s very special ‘tagliere’ or salumi plate, featuring speck…the smoked and preserved goodness of the Alto Adige region. It is one of our food highlights on the Giro tour and thankfully, it is in abundance because whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, speck is on the menu. And when it’s part of a gnocchi or local pasta dish, it is a taste sensation.
3. The History and the Great Rivalries:
Bartali and Coppi, Merckx and Gimondi, Moser and Saronni – The great rivalries of the Giro still stir passion. All champions in their own right, their individual stories only became more rich when intertwined with their nemesis. It’s this history and these rivalries that today still underpin the emotion and intensity of the Giro, and it is great to feel a part of.
4. The Cultural Immersion:
Amazing riding and Giro action is taken to the next level with beautiful regional cultures to round out the experience. The event often traverses three regions of northern Italy, each with their own individual identity and local cuisine, wines and beers allowing for different and truly authentic local experiences, day after day, for nine days.
5. The Camraderie:
Sharing the experience with genuine, like minded-people who love the challenge of the ride and also love their time off the bike, to be as rich and rewarding as when they’re on the bike. The reward of all conquering the climbs, the coming together on the side of the road to cheer on the pro’s, and the post-ride aperitivo and reflections, are all part of what makes the Giro a great experience.
6. The Tifosi:
Being part of the action and festivities amongst the passionate fans on the road side is great fun, as you watch the pros fly up the mountain, that you have tested yourself on in the previous hour.
