Italian passion:The Giro d’Italia

Italian passion:The Giro d’Italia

by Christi Valentine-Anderson

Few sports bring out the best – and occasionally the worst – in competitors like cycling. But as Christi Valentine-Anderson explains, there is no other sport quite like this.

The food, the Italians, the Dolomites, Tuscany and the rich history of Italy all culminate into a passionate experience when you toss in a world-class sporting event. From soccer to cycling the Europeans, particularly the Italians, know how to deliver a sensational experience. The Giro d’Italia is one of three ‘Grande Tours’ on the European cycling calendar, and traditionally the first of the big tours each season. The Giro often covers the length and breadth of the country and the amazing as well diverse landscapes and climates. From Tuscany and the Amalfi coastline to the Dolomites, it is all covered in the parcours.
This year the Giro celebrated its 100th anniversary. It promised to be one of the most highly contested in its history and, as events transpired, lived up to the hype. It was also the first appearance of seven-time winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong. Even the finish in Rome rather than Milan (where it traditionally ends), signified that this 4000 kilometre lap of Italy – 23 days straight - was going to be spectacular.
The Giro has always been unique to cycling. The instant you cross the border from France, Austria or Switzerland you feel the difference. There is no mistaking its toughness for riders, but there is also a softer edge with excellent food in the smallest of villages, warm friendly people and easy access to competitors and their families. In that respect it differs from every other event of this magnitude.
Families of the riders can be found at every stage and in the hotels at night. That is special about the Giro as it is categorically forbidden on the Tour de France. Having family close by can be an enormous incentive to the riders. Mario Cipollini, one of the greatest sprinters of his generation, once said, “Every year I start the Tour de France with the intention of making it to Paris, yet when the Tour gets to the Alps I become so home sick I cannot perform.” Cipollini has won more stages on the Giro than any other rider, but in 20 years has never finished the Tour de France.
Just as there is enormous pressure on the Italians to win the Giro, so there is equal pressure on French riders to perform well on the Tour de France. Not since Richard Virenque climbed the podium in the polka dot climber’s jersey in 1997 have the French had any true glory on the Tour.
Professional cyclists train and race approximately 35,000 kilometres each year, equal to the circumference of the Earth. Even if it is raining, snowing or boiling hot, these men are out on their bikes. By the time the Giro starts, most of the field will have ridden over 20,000 kilometres. Cycling in Italy is still a sport of the people, and the millions who line the course prove without question that it is closer to their hearts than any other. To that extent it is the envy of Europe.
For a rider to compete – let alone to win a stage – is a dream come true. It is what inspires many young, enthusiastic and hopeful riders. But it is a race that gives no quarter, and experienced riders expect none.
In its centenary year, all eyes were on Lance Armstrong. There could not have been a more perfect way to celebrate the Giro’s milestone than to have the legend of the Tour de France among its ranks.
But in the lead up to the event, there was a note of caution issued to Armstrong from a fellow rider.
Carlos Sastre Candil, the 34 year old Spanish competitor who won the 2008 Tour de France, played down Armstrong’s chances and questioned the attention being heaped on his colleague.
“It’s all out of proportion,” he said. “This race is all about survival…if you lose a little ground it can wreck your season’s work. The Giro is more gruelling than the Tour de France and Armstrong will struggle.”
Sour grapes? Maybe, but as events transpired Sastre had a point.