Most Exciting Stage Race of 2010: Giro d'Italia

According to the readers of cyclingnews.com the Giro D'Italia provided the most excitement of the year. The poll results:

Giro d'Italia, 7071 votes (42.1%)
Tour de France, 7028 (41.9%)
Amgen Tour of California, 1151 (6.9%)
Vuelta a Espana,798 (4.8%)
Tour de Suisse, 245 (1.5%)
TransRockies, 123 (0.7%)
Cape Epic, 114 (0.7%)
Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, 100 (0.6%)
Tirreno-Adriatico, 73 (0.4%)
Three Days of De Panne, 54 (0.3%)
Tour of Oman, 30 (0.2%)

To be sure, Giro director Angelo Zomegnan will want to achieve the same result for the 2011 edition which will be a special one, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Are YOU going to be at the 2011 Giro? Here is a summary of the highlights:
From the 7th to the 29th of May 2011,
17 regions,
23 total days, 21 race days,
1 rest day + transfer 1 rest day,
Start from Torino-Reggia di Venaria Reale,
Finish in Milano-Piazza Duomo,
1 Team Time Trial Stage (1ª stage Reggia di Venaria Reale-Torino) / 21,5 km,
1 uphill time trial (16ª Belluno-Nevegal) / 12,7 km,
1 individual time trial (21ª Milano-Milano) / 32,8 km,
7 stages for sprinters,
1 white (gravel) road stage in Siena in the province of Siena and the finish in Orvieto
4 medium mountain stages (1 summit finish)
6 mountain stages (6 summit finish),
Summit finishes: Montevergine di Mercogliano (7ª stage), Etna (9ª stage), Grossglockner (13ª stage), Zoncolan (14ª stage), Gardeccia (15ª stage), Macugnaga (19ª stage), Sestriere (20ª stage),
Other climbs: Crostis (new), Croce Carnico, Mauria, Fedaia-Marmolada, Tonale, Aprica, Mottarone, Colle delle Finestre (dirt stretch),
Cima Coppi: Passo Giau,
Total: 3496 km

Some of my favorite photos that appeared here during May, 2010 (it's easy to see all the stories and photos from May, 2010; use the blog Archive feature to the right of the page):










Share your story. Write a story about your cycling trip, or an aspect of your trip, in Italy. Or, it can be about a granfondo experience, a special encounter, your favorite ride, etc. The period for story submissions for prizes will be January 1-February 15, 2011. Prizes will be awarded on a random basis, stories will not be judged on which is the "best" one. Nevertheless, it should be a good story for the enjoyment of all readers. Photos accompanying the story are most welcome. If you have any questions email me at veronaman@gmail.com. See photos of prizes here. Prize donated by:
CycleItalia, specializing in cycling tours in Italy
BicycleGifts.com, the premiere site for gifts and merchandise for cyclists
Enzo’s ButtonHole Chamois Cream,chamois cream for the ultimate protection
FreeBirdVelo, Italian themed T-shirts
Strada Hand Built Wheels, custom wheel building
Velo-Retro, all things retro for cycling
La Gazzetta della Bici, massage oils for cyclists