In Numbers: 2014 Giro d'Italia

An unforgettable edition of the Giro d’Italia has just ended. Here’s the story of 97th edition, in numbers:

0 – Europeans wearing the Maglia Rosa. For the first time in history, a grand tour event has not had a European rider leading at any point during the race
3 – nations crossed: Northern Ireland, Ireland and Italy
5 – continents in which the Giro was followed on TV
6 – counties traversed in the island of Ireland
21 – days of competition
24 – years of age of Nairo Quintana, winner of the Giro d’Italia 2014
30 – different nationalities of riders at the start of the Giro
33 – business partners who have contributed to the success of the Giro, showing their brands on this edition of the Corsa Rosa
42 – vehicles in the Giro d’Italia caravan
43 – Italian provinces crossed by the Giro
156 – riders who finished the Giro d’Italia in 2014
171 – countries in which the Giro was broadcast daily
198 – riders starting at the Giro’s Grande Partenza
1,200 – people traveling daily with the Giro d’Italia, between members of the organization, teams and media
1,805 – media accreditations awarded at the 2014 Giro d’Italia
3,444.4 – the Corsa Rosa race distance in kilometers
5,000 – daily tweets with the hashtag #giro (on average). #giro was often the main trend in Italy for the duration of the Giro and the main trend in the UK before and during the Grande Partenza from Belfast
25,000 – followers on Instagram
52,000 – streaming video viewers (daily average)
90,000 – copies of the Giro App downloaded
100,000 – new Facebook fans during the race
180,000 – followers on Google+
252,000 – followers on Twitter
500,000 – Facebook fans on the official page. The number reached by stage 20, featuring the Zoncolan
2,400,000 – page views (daily average) on the official Giro d’Italia site and the Giro App combined, an increase of 67% compared to 2013
3,500,000 – views on the Giro’s YouTube channel

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Nairo Quintana Wins 2014 Giro d'Italia in Trieste

In beautiful sunshine and before huge and enthusiastic crowds in Trieste today, Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) was confirmed as the 2014 Giro d’Italia champion. He finished the stage safely, the General Classification remained unchanged, with Rigoberto Urán (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step) second at 2’58” and Fabio Aru (Astana Procycling) third at 4’04”.

In the sprint finish beside Piazza Unitá d’Italia, Luka Mezgec (Giant Shimano) became the first ever Slovenian stage winner in the Giro d’Italia, to the joy of the Slovenian fans, who had crossed the nearby border in great numbers. Second in the sprint was Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Fractory Racing), while Tyler Farrar (Garmin Sharp) was third.

JERSEYS
Maglia Rosa – Balocco: Nairo Quintana (Team Movistar)
Maglia Rossa – Algida: Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.FR)
Maglia Bianca – F.lli Orsero: Nairo Quintana (Team Movistar)
Maglia Azzurra – Banca Mediolanum: Julián Arredondo (Trek Factory Racing)


After the final presentations Quintana spoke to the press:

A dream come true: “I dreamed about winning the Giro. but every rider dreams. Last year, after I finished 2nd in the Tour, my dream seemed much closer. It was a precocious dream, and I’m still very young, with my 24 years, but I’ve won the race that I dreamed of.”

No words: “I feel great happiness. even if I don’t have words to express it. I feel huge emotions inside. To see so many people celebrating - Italian, Colombians, my family - it’s really wonderful.”

Dedication: “The podium was emotional. I dedicate my victory to my team. Without them I’d never have reached Trieste as the winner. And when I say team, I mean everyone: the soigneurs, the mechanics, the press officer, everyone who was close to me. I also dedicate it to my family who came from Colombia to support me, and to my Colombian compatriots. I hope they enjoy this win.”

Colombia: “I hope people will see now that Colombia isn’t what it was 20 years ago. It has changed a lot. Life is peaceful and good now. Small steps have been taken towards peace: a process is going on now, and I hope in my heart that the progress that is happening now will come to fruition.”

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2014 Giro d'Italia Stage 19 Explained by Eros Poli

Today's 26.8 mountain time trial stage, possibly decisive, is explained by Eros Poli:


Ursus, the Italian wheel company, is organizing a big party on turn 23 where you can catch up with Mario Cipollini.

Want to learn more about Monte Grappa? Use the custom search to the right to find the many stories here.

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Why I Love the Passo dello Stelvio

Why I Love the Passo dello Stelvio: you never know what you will face.

Stage 16, yesterday, was a fantastic viewing stage, not such a great stage for the riders.

There was confusion about whether the descent of the Stelvio was to be neutralized due to the weather. This is the official announcement post stage by the race directors regarding that:

"In consideration of audio recordings of instructions relayed to Directeurs sportifs during today's stage, the Directors of the Giro d'Italia would like to clarify that Race Radio provided an inaccurate interpretation of the indications stipulated by the Directors.

As previously stated, the intention was to guarantee rider safety during the first section of the descent (the first 6 hairpins, approximately 1500 m) of the Passo dello Stelvio, where visibility was restricted due to low cloud and fog.

At no point did Race Radio or the Directors of the Giro make reference to the possible neutralization of any part of the descent."

The Ponte di Legno – Val Martello (136 km), stage saw victory for the Colombian Nairo Quintana (Team Movistar) who also took the lead in the General Classification.

In a stage affected by poor weather, with snow and freezing temperatures on the Passo Gavia and the Passo dello Stelvio, the overall standings were reshaped by Quintana, the new race leader, 1'41" ahead of Rigoberto Uran (9th in the stage at 4'11") and 3'21" ahead of Cadel Evans (tenth in the stage at 4'48").

Dario Cataldo (Team Sky) crossed the 2758 m Passo dello Stelvio, the Cima Coppi of this year’s Corsa Rosa, in first place.

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2014 Giro Stage 16 Explained by Eros Poli

Next Tuesday, May 27th, brings us the "Cima Coppi" of the 2014 Giro d'Italia, Passo dello Stelvio is this year’s highest point of the race itinerary.

Here, Eros Poli explains this massive stage that includes Passo Gavia, Passo dello Stelvio, and Val Martello:


The location for the battle:

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2014 Giro d'Italia Starts This Evening

The 97th Giro d’Italia starts this evening with a 21.7 km team time trial around the city streets of Belfast. The team presentations were yesterday (photo above).

Schedule
Meeting point: Titanic Quarter/Slipway Garden, 1600 (all times local)
First team (Colombia) departs Titanic Quarter at 1750
Teams depart at 5-minute intervals
Last team (Neri Sottoli) departs at 1935
Last team finishes at approx. 2000 at Donegall Square North (City Hall)
Race Headquarters: Belfast Waterfront, 2 Lanyon Place (650 m from the finish line)

Weather
Sunny intervals, medium-level cloud, 15-16 °C. Wind: W, 11-15 mph, very good visibility.

Route
Part mixed and technically demanding city-center route, part long, straight roads suited to high speeds. All roads have cat’s eyes along the centerline. After the stage start at Titanic Belfast, short, straight sections of road alternate with bends up to Upper Newtownlands Road (km 9.3). Thence, the route is straight for over 6 km. The road rises gently along the Prince of Wales Avenue, about 1.1 km long and lined with lime trees, to the split timing point at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont (km 7.9). The statue of 19th/20th century politician Lord Carson marks the mid-stage point. The race route then descends at the same rate, and rejoins the straight road that leads back to the city center. The second split time will be taken at km 15.3 (Oxford St). A further sequence of bends leads to the finish line.

Final kilometers
Entirely urban, slightly uphill, with 90-degree bends and turns leading to a final right-hand bend 300m from the finish, along a straight, well-surfaced, 8m wide asphalt carriageway.

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In Belfast, Pink Fever is Growing

Today, precisely 48 hours before the 97th Giro d’Italia starts, in Belfast at 17.50 on Friday, the expected protagonists spoke to the world’s press in today’s Top Riders press conference. The following likely protagonists contributed:

Nairo Quintana  (Team Movistar): “For the first time ever, there are two Colombians here as favorites, which is a cause of national celebration. But I think everyone sitting here has almost equal conditions to win the Giro. The race will put us all in our place.”

Joaquín Rodríguez (Team Katusha): “There are only 6 riders here because the table is too small for all the others. There are stages for everyone, and I think it will be a very open, very entertaining race, of a very high sporting standard.”

Michele Scarponi (Team Astana): “Astana comes to the Giro with a team that hopes to be competitive on all fronts. I’m the captain, but there’s also Fabio Aru, who is very talented and will one day be a rider who can do well in Grand Tours. He won’t just be a support rider: he’ll have chances to ride for himself too.”

Rigoberto Urán (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step): “The Irish stages will be very important to the overall outcome: they are complicated , windy and cold and it is consistency that wins Grand Tours.”

Nicholas Roche (Team Tinkoff – Saxo): “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for many months. I’m super-excited to be here, and to get going after such a long wait. There’s no great advantage in being the homeboy, but I’m sure it’s going to be a great event starting tomorrow with presentations.”

Dan Martin (Team Garmin Sharp): “This is big goal of my season and I’m here to do the best possible. I’ll take it day by day before I know whether I’m riding for the General Classification or for stage wins.”

Cadel Evans (BMC): “This is my first time in Northern Ireland, and it’s going to be every interesting. The wind is going to be a factor, making these days when we GC contenders must try not to lose time, rather than thinking about gaining time.”

Of the sprinters and stage hunters, the following also attended:

Marcel Kittel (Team Argos Shimano): “I’m now in the second phase of my season now. I want to be good here, I’m looking forward to my first Giro start so that I can get some experience of this race and, with the team around me,  I’m very confident that we can do good things.”

Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr): “To win the sprints, you need a good team to keep you at the front in the crucial moments. I’ve yet to win a Grand Tour stage, and I hope that this will be the opportunity.”

Ben Swift (TEAM SKY): “I’ve only known I’ll be riding for about 2 weeks, but I’m coming off the back of some decent form, so it’s a good opportunity to use this form and see what we can come up with.”

Moreno Moser (Team Cannondale): “There’s a lot of interest in me, because it’s 30 years since my uncle [Francesco Moser] won the Giro d’Italia. Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it. I’m happy to be at the start of the Giro d’Italia and I’ll play my cards as best I can.”

Diego Ulissi (Team Lampre - Merida): “Everyone knows who the favorites are. The team captains are Cunego and Niemiec for the General Classification. My goal is to win at least a stage.”

The team presentation will take place tomorrow evening at 1800 hours local time, before Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square.

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2014 Giro in Numbers

The 97th Giro d’Italia starts on Friday in Belfast (the 11th time the race has started outside Italy in its 97 year history) with a 21.7 km team time trial. It wends its way across Ireland and Italy for three weeks, to conclude in Trieste on 1 June.

The Giro in numbers:
3445.5 kilometers,
198 riders on 22 teams with 9 riders each,
40 categorized climbs,
10 uphill finishes (including the mountain time trial at Cima Grappa, Stage 19),
Cima Coppi- the race’s highest point-at 2758m (on the Passo dello Stelvio, Stage 16),
longest stage at 249km (St. 11, Collecchio - Savona),
the shortest at 21.7km (the Team Time Trial around Belfast on St. 1),
40 years and 129 days, the oldest rider, Alessandro Petacchi,
20 years and 280 days, the youngest rider, is Sebastián Henao,
6 km of barriers are erected on every stage,
26 motorcyclists, 6 police cars, provided by Italian police

Jerseys:
Maglia Rosa (pink) Balocco’: leader, General Classification
Maglia Azzurra (blue’) Banca Mediolanum’: leader, Mountains classification
Maglia Rossa (red) ‘Algida’: leader, Points classification
Maglia Bianca (white) ‘Orsero’: leader, Young Riders’ Classification (born on or after 1 January 1989)

Time bonuses:
With respect to previous years, time bonuses have been slightly altered, for intermediate sprints, to 3, 2, and 1 seconds, and for stage finishes to 10, 6, and 4. More details here.

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2014 Giro d'Italia Jerseys Presented

The new official 2014 Giro d’Italia jersey designs were today unveiled during the Pitti Immagine Uomo event. This year’s Giro d’Italia takes place from 9th May – 1st June, starting from Belfast in Ireland.

The unveiling of the 97th edition’s jerseys included testimonials from the event’s new charity partner for 2014, international charity Oxfam, with the charity’s Cristina Chiabotto, Chiara Francini and Nadia Toffa in attendance.

THE JERSEYS
Created by the Irish designer Fergus Niland on behalf of Santini SMS who will make them, the jerseys’ represent the perfect match between Giro d’Italia and the Grande Partenza on the island of Ireland. The jersey features typically Irish graphics, such as tweed pattern and a stylized shamrock as symbol.

The charity partnership is proudly reinforced with the claim that “Giro Fights for Oxfam” on the left sleeve, to underline the charity causes that the Corsa Rosa and the Oxfam will support together.

JERSEYS SPONSORS

MAGLIA ROSA – BALOCCO: For the second consecutive year Balocco will be the Maglia Rosa sponsor, symbol of the General Classification leader and a cycling icon around the world.

MAGLIA AZZURRA – BANCA MEDIOLANUM: The leader of this special classification, dedicated to the King of the Mountain, will wear the Maglia Azzurra Banca Mediolanum, a jersey which has the same sky colour as where the great Giro mountains stand supreme.

MAGLIA ROSSA – ALGIDA: In 2014 Algida is a proud partner of the Giro d’Italia, and brings the vortex of their cream heart on the Maglia Rossa as symbol of the Points Classification.

MAGLIA BIANCA – F.LLI ORSERO: This jersey represents the Youg Rider General Classification, symbolising freshness and novelty and embodying the F.lli Orsero fruit qualities.

CHARITY PARTNER
Oxfam will be the Charity Partner 2014 of the Giro d’Italia.

This international charity organization is part of a great coalition, formed by 17 organizations that work in over 90 countries around the world, aiming to find permanent solutions to the injustice of poverty in the world.

The Corsa Rosa stands alongside Oxfam to promote and support projects linked to rural and women’s entrepreneurship development.

The pink, the colour of women, embodied in the symbol of excellence of the Giro d’Italia, the Maglia Rosa, brings a strong and clear social message that Giro Fights for Oxfam.

Giro and Oxfam will together build and sustain a supporting communication campaign.

btw, our friends (we have lots of them) at cycleitalia have been working on a special program for this year's Giro, see here.

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Giro d'Italia to Unveil 2014 Jerseys

The Giro d'Italia will unveil the 2014 jerseys in Firenze (Florence) on Tuesday, January 7th, at 1600.

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Prime Minister Enrico Letta Gives Irish Prime MInister Edna Kenny Maglia Rosa

From left, the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, and the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

This afternoon in Dublin, Ireland, Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, gave an official Giro d'Italia Maglia Rosa jersey to the Republic of Ireland Prime Minister Enda Kenny as a gift.

After the official press conference that followed the meeting between the two Prime Ministers, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries and honoring the Grande Partenza of the Giro d'Italia, 2014 that takes place on 9 May in Belfast, with the third and final Irish stage of event taking place on 12 May in Dublin, the symbol of the leader of the Corsa Rosa was presented.

The group of people officially representing the Giro d’Italia at the event included Andrea Monti, Editor of La Gazzetta dello Sport; Mauro Vegni, Giro d'Italia Director of Operations; Carlo Rossanigo, RCS MediaGroup Communication Director; Francesco Moser, the Italian cycling legend; and Darach McQuaid, member of the Irish Organizing Committee.

Photo credit: LaPresse


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Statement from Michele Acquarone, Giro d'Italia Director (Suspended)

Michele Acquarone, Managing Director at RCS Sports (owner of the Giro d'Italia, MSR, Il Lombardia, +), was suspended earlier this month as a precautionary, "non-disciplinary", measure while an investigation of a shortfall of 13 million euro is investigated.

He was not present at the 2014 Giro d'Italia presentation on Monday, October 7th.

Today he tweeted "If you love the @giroditalia and you believe in me, please RT. Se ami il @giroditalia e credi in me, per favore RT" followed by this (if you have trouble reading click here):

Click to enlarge

" I have dedicated fourteen years of my life to the RCS Group, the last five of which I spent working tirelessly on strengthening and growing RCS Sport.

As director of Giro d’Italia, I sought to develop the prestige of this event as part of Italy’s heritage and for cycling fans all over the world. Looking at the results, I would say that I have succeeded.

It was much to my frustration however that I could not participate in the presentation of that which I consider one of my most accomplished creations, the 2014 Giro d’Italia, and I apologize to all the friends I could not meet with.

Those who know me, are well aware that my professional style is based on three key concepts: fairness, respect and dialogue.

Those who know me, also know that I hold the trust of fans and of people involved in the industry, at the center of my heart, and if today I can benefit from such trust, it is because I have always worked with greatest transparency and honesty, as well as with total dedication and loyalty to the RCS Group.

For the ties linking me to Giro fans and to the people involved in the industry, I want to strongly reassure everyone of my non-involvement in the matters that have been reported in the mass media over the last few days.

Today the life of a company is permanently marked in time, and I am certain that all the facts will soon be completely clarified.

I only dream about the day I can return to my team, and get back to working towards the 2014 Giro d’Italia, with even greater enthusiasm than that which has driven me over these years.

Thank you for your support, and see you soon.

Michele Acquarone"

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2014 Giro d'Italia Presentation

The unveiling of the 97th Giro d’Italia took place this afternoon at the Ice Palace in central Milan.

With no less than nine uphill finishes spread over a 3,449.9 kilometre itinerary which starts in Belfast on Friday 9 May 2014 and finishes in Trieste on Sunday 1 June 2014, the 2014 Giro d’Italia promises to be a race for climbers.

After two opening stages starting and finishing in the capital of Northern Ireland, the peloton departs Armagh for a symbolic border crossing into the Irish Republic en route to the stage finish in Dublin. After three historic stages in Ireland, a vast air bridge will transfer the riders, race staff and event infrastructure to Italy’s South East, where the race recommences with stage four, from Giovinazzo to Bari.

The route then arcs clockwise across Italy, through the Apennines, to the North West of the peninsula, before heading eastwards to take on the monumental climbs of the Italian Alps and Dolomites. The itinerary of mountains reads like a roll call of classic Italian climbs, including Oropa, Montecampione, Val Martello/Martelltal (via the Passo dello Stelvio – this year’s Cima Coppi, the highest point of the race itinerary; on 16th stage), Monte Grappa and Monte Zoncolan. Lesser-known climbs like Sestola, Montecopiolo and the Rifugio Panarotta in Valsugana, and the short, steep ramps that lead up to Viggiano and Montecassino, hold the potential for more, spectacular racing.

Six flat finishes will entice the sprinters, and a further four transitional stages – including stage 11, with a technical, 21km-descent from the intriguingly-named Naso di Gatto or Cat’s Nose, down into the town of Savona – complete the race itinerary.

94.9km of the 2014 Giro are dedicated to time trials. Hostilities open on Friday 9 May with a 21.7km team time trial around Belfast. At the midpoint of the race, the long individual time trial from Barbaresco to Barolo (stage 12, 46.4km) includes a categorised climb in the final 10 kilometres. Then, on the last stage but three, a grueling, 26.8km mountain time trial takes in the 19.3km climb up to Cima Grappa (Bassano del Grappa – Cima Grappa/Crespano del Grappa).

After the final, grueling mountain finish atop the forbidding Monte Zoncolan, the peloton will race into the stunning city of Trieste, where the 97th Giro d’Italia will draw to its dramatic close.

The stages:
enerdì 9 maggio - 1° tappa: Belfast (cronosquadre) 21,7 km
Sabato 10 maggio - 2° tappa: Belfast – Belfast 218 km
Domenica 11 maggio - 3° tappa: Armagh – Dublino 187 km
Lunedì 12 maggio - Riposo
Martedì 13 maggio - 4° tappa: Giovinazzo - Bari 121 km
Mercoledì 14 maggio - 5° tappa: Taranto - Viggiano 200 km
Giovedì 15 maggio - 6° tappa: Sassano – Montecassino 247 km
Venerdì 16 maggio - 7° tappa: Frosinone – Foligno 214 km
Sabato 17 maggio - 8° tappa: Foligno – Montecopiolo 174 km
Domenica 18 maggio - 9° tappa: Lugo di Romagna – Sestola/Passo del Lupo 174 km
Lunedì 19 maggio - Riposo
Martedì 20 maggio - 10° tappa: Modena – Salsomaggiore Terme 184 km
Mercoledì 21 maggio - 11° tappa: Collecchio – Savona 249 km
Giovedì 22 maggio - 12° tappa: Barbaresco – Barolo (cronometro individuale) 46,4 km
Venerdì 23 maggio - 13° tappa: Fossano – Rivarolo Canavese 158 km
Sabato 24 maggio - 14° tappa: Agliè – Oropa 162 km
Domenica 25 maggio - 15° tappa: Valdengo – Plan di Montecampione 217 km
Lunedì 26 maggio - Riposo
Martedì 27 maggio - 16° tappa: Ponte di Legno – Val Martello 139 km
Mercoledì 28 maggio - 17° tappa: Sarnonico – Vittorio Veneto 204 km
Giovedì 29 maggio - 18° tappa: Belluno – Rifugio Panarotta 171 km
Venerdì 30 maggio - 19° tappa: Bassano – Cima Grappa (cronoscalata) 26,8 km
Sabato 31 maggio - 20° tappa: Maniago – Monte Zoncolan 167 km
Domenica 1 giugno - 21° tappa: Gemona del Friuli – Trieste 169 km

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2014 Giro d'Italia Presentation, Monday!

Giro d'Italia 2014 presentation: 7th October! Live streaming on http://www.giroditalia.it  and http://www.gazzetta.it  from 2.50 pm CET (Central European Time)!



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2014 Giro d'Italia, New Start Date of May 9th, a Friday

The Giro d’Italia 2014 will start from Belfast on Friday, May 9th and not on Saturday 10th as previously planned. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has accepted and ratified the request made from AIJCP, the International Association of Professional Cycling teams, to bring forward by one day the start of the Corsa Rosa adding an extra day of rest to facilitate the transfer of the caravan from Ireland to Italy. RCS Sport has given its consent. The new program includes the Grande Partenza on Friday with Belfast – Belfast stage, Saturday 10th the second stage will start again from Belfast terminating again in the Northern Ireland capital. On Sunday 11th the third stage in the island of Ireland will start from Armagh and arrive in Dublin. Monday 12th will be a rest day, then the Giro will start again on Tuesday 13th in Italy.

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said: “I have been advised of the earlier start date for the Giro d’Italia in Belfast, which moves forward by one day to the 9th May, and am confident that this will not cause any difficulties. My department and I, along with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, are working in partnership with the race organisers to ensure a smooth roll out of the operation on the ground in Northern Ireland. Everyone in Northern Ireland is looking forward to welcoming this hugely exciting competition to our shores next year and to embracing the passion, colour and atmosphere that comes with the Grande Partenza.”

Giacomo Catano, RCS Sport CEO, said: "RCS Sport welcomes the decision that further confirms the perfect harmony between the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the strategies of our company, aimed at the promotion and development of cycling around the world. We are happy that the dialogue conducted in a positive atmosphere, has satisfied all the teams that will be able to handle at best the transfer to Italy. Giro d’Italia Grande Partenza will allow all the fans from the island of Ireland to live the excitement of our great event."

Darach McQuaid (son of Pat McQuaid, current UCI head), Shadetree Sports, on the Irish perspective for the new dates said: "As the local organisers for the 2014 Big Start, Shadetree Sports welcomes the announcement of the new dates for the 2014 Giro d'Italia, which shows the sport, and its stakeholders, are taking the riders and teams welfare into account, especially when organising a project such as a foreign start of a Grand Tour. On the front end it will pose some new logistical challenges for the opening stage in Belfast on the Friday and on the back end, it will make the evacuation to Italy on Monday 12th May, a much calmer operation. In terms of the riders and their well being, it is especially welcome."

The 2014 Giro d’Italia will be presented on Monday 7th October at 14.30 at the Palaghiaccio Piranesi, Milan.

Related stories in ICJ:
2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12
Zoncolan and Trieste, Grand Finale of 2014 Giro d'Italia

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.      

2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12

In advance of the official 2014 Giro d’Italia presentation in October, an individual time trial, scheduled for 22nd May, has been announced at the Interbike Show in Las Vegas, USA.

It will be a very challenging individual time trial of 46.4km amidst the backdrop of the famous northern Italian Piedmont Langhe region’s vineyeards around the area of Alba.

Starting from Barbaresco, the route will descend into the valley of the Tanaro before settling into 30km of fast, straight and mostly flat roads. After Cherasco, the riders will start the Bergne climb, itself surrounded by vineyards, a fourth category climb with points for the King of the Mountains competition.

Following the summit, the course heads downwards amidst the picturesque vines along a very technical descent. This spits rides into the final short climb before the finish in Barolo. Besides technical riding, the area’s socio-cultural capital is central to the Corsa Rosa. The Piedmont Region itself is a land of wine and cycling that has given birth to so many champions: from Costante Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, and Franco Balmamion to Italo Zilioli to name just few. In 2014, the region will again host an amazing sporting event with a unique taste through the area.

Click to enlarge

In Piedmont were born true legends of cycling, as Coppi and Girardengo,” said Alberto Cirio, Minister for Sport and Tourism of the Region of Piedmont. “A land shaped for two wheels, with more than 300 routes between mountains, plains and hills. The Giro d’Italia 2014 will offer a taste of it, beginning with the suggestive time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco, which will pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Langhe wine area, candidate to become UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

“An interesting blend of wine and sport, provided by one of the stages of the Giro d’Italia 2014, the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco,” said Mauro Carbone, Alba Bra Langhe Roero Tourism Association Director. “Two wines, along with that of Moscato, who will speak to the American public about the Langhe hills, the perfect location for cycling holidays. Activities beloved by Americans who, during their stay in our territory, together with the pleasure of the bike, join the discovery of the wine world. A common story: wines like Barbaresco, Barolo and Moscato, born in conjunction with the Giro d’Italia, they meet again this evening to celebrate the two Italian excellence in the world.”

“Barbaresco, Barolo... two cities that also give their names to two wines,” said Pier Bergonzi, Editor in Chief of La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Two words that just say them and you have to smile thinking about the story they have behind and emotions that can produce. Just like the Giro d’Italia and our newspaper, which for over 100 years are synonymous with high-level sport but also of culture and traditions of our country. That's why the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco has everything to become an iconic stage of the most loved race by Italians, and not only...”.

Related story in ICJ:
Piedmont Cycling Resort


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Zoncolan and Trieste, Grand Finale of 2014 Giro d'Italia

The 2014 Giro d’Italia will finish in the Fruili Venezia Giulia region and decide the winner of the 97th edition of the Giro. The Grande Arrivo in Trieste follows the monster Zoncolan climb and is poignant as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the annexation of the regional capital to Italy.

The return of the finish to the area reinforces the strong bond between the Giro d’Italia and the region: it was the scene of the Grande Partenza of the Giro from Trieste in 1981, and three Grandi Arrivi, including two in Trieste 1966 (won by Gianni Motta) and 1973 (Eddy Merckx), and one in Udine in 1983 (Giuseppe Saronni).

The area remains etched in the history of the Italy – and not just for cycling as, after the annexation of the area to Italy, the Giro ended in Trieste. It was 30 June, 1946, and during the stage Rovigo – Trieste anti-Italians activists, in favor of the annexation of Trieste to Yugoslavia, blocked the caravan of the Giro about 2km east of Pieris, blocking the road with concrete blocks and targeting armed Italian guards by throwing stones and nails. The organization of the Giro had already decided to close the stage in Pieris, with equal times for everyone, but some racers – led by Giordano Cottur – insisted on reaching Trieste anyway. Some riders were escorted on military vehicles up to Grignano, from where they headed for the finish line and made for the hippodrome of Montebello in the north of Trieste, where they were hailed and carried in triumph by the inhabitants of the city.

This year, the climb of the Monte Zoncolan will prove instrumental in deciding the final selection of this edition before the Great Arrival in Trieste.

Saturday 31 May, 2014 will see Stage 20, 167km from Maniago – Monte Zoncolan (click on image above to enlarge). The first portion of the stage winds it way through the hills of Friuli along roads that, for the most part, have previously never been touched by the Giro d’Italia. The route will go though well-known places such as Daniele del Friuli and Majano, as well as less well-known places such as Buia and Bordano. After Tolmezzo the riders will face the mountain factor: first, the Passo del Pura, then the Sella di Razzo, and finally Monte Zoncolan from the classic line of Ovaro.

Passo del Pura is a steady climb that runs along the side of the mountain in a series of switchbacks for about 9km at an average gradient of 8% but with peaks in double figures. A short descent will bring the race to the dam of Sauris lake where the race will turn upwards once more for the ascent of the 15km-long Sella Razzo, with its average gradient of 5.5%, but with peaks over 10%. Following a long and rapid descent towards Ovaro in the valley before tackling the 10.1km Zoncolan with its average gradient of 11.9% and peaks over 20%.

It will be the fourth time that a stage of the Giro d’Italia concludes with an uphill finish on Monte Zoncolan – once it climbed from the slope of Sutrio while the other three climbed from Ovaro. The winners were Gilberto Simoni (2003 and 2007), Ivan Basso (2010), and Igor Anton (2011).

The next day, Sunday 1 June, 2014, will see the 21st and final stage of the 97th Giro, taking in 169km from Gemona del Friuli – Trieste (click on image above to enlarge).

The stage follows a generally downhill profile towards the lowlands and the regional capital. Passing through places of historical interest – such as Cividale del Friuli and his Devil's Bridge, with its Redipuglia Ossuary of the twelve battles of the Isonzo, and the Maximilian of Habsburg’s Miramare Castle – the riders will eventually reach Trieste where the race will end following eight laps of the city’s 7.3km fast circiut, with only one slight rise.

Michele Acquarone, RCS Sport Managing director: “In a sport such as cycling, loved all over the world, we are lucky enough to organise one of the two most important events globally. An important feature is that, as you well know, cycling takes place on the streets of cities, towns and countryside – not indoors – and this gives us wide open spaces to promote the area. In 2014 this area promotion will be dedicated to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Giro will finish in Trieste but also travel through the Monte Zoncolan and numerous villages. It is a unique opportunity: history, tourism, culture. Opportunities for everybody to highlight all the excellence that this area has to offer.

“The 2014 Giro will start from Belfast before moving to Dublin to eventually end in Trieste, coinciding the 60th anniverssary of the annexation of the city to Italy. The message is that something beautiful, like the Giro, can go beyond sport and unite peoples and cultures."

Mauro Vegni, Giro d’Italia race director: “After all the issues with the Crostis stage in 2011 we were very motivated to return the Giro d’Italia in its full splendor to Friuli Venezia Giulia. This year we had two beautiful stages rich in meaning: the uphill finish of Montasio Plateau and the Cave del Predil – Vajont one. For 2014, we all had a strong desire to return to the Monte Zoncolan with a stage that could be decisive in deciding the final general classification of the Corsa Rosa. Thanks to the collaboration of our partners – Enzo Cainero in particular – and local administrations, we then began nursing the dream to conclude the 97th edition of the Corsa Rosa in one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, Piazza Unità d'Italia, here in Trieste. I am very pleased to be able to make the announcement that this is exactly what we’re doing. In advance I want to thank all the volunteers that, with their help, will make the success of this event possible."

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

2014 Giro d'Italia

Although the official 2014 Giro d'Italia presentation is scheduled for October 7th, the day after Il Lombardia, the final stages of the Giro will be revealed in a presentation in Trieste next Friday, September 13th.

There had been consideration given to a 2x Zoncolan stage on May 31st but that idea may have died due to complications. We will just have to wait and see....

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. 

2014 Giro d'Italia Presentation Date: October 7

The 2014 Giro d'Italia Official Presentation will be held in Milano on Monday, October 7, the day after the 107th edition of the Il Lombardia (Sunday 6 October, from Bergamo to Lecco).

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.

2014 Giro d'Italia, Racing for a Wild Card

The "Italy Cup", which will determine the Italian championship team, recommences on Sunday with the Giro dell’Appennino. The winning team of the cup, under last year’s agreement between the Italian Cycling Federation and RCS Sport, will automatically earn a Wild Card place for the 2014 Giro d’Italia.

The Giro will kick off from Belfast, Ireland, on 10th May 2014

Here are the current rankings:

1. Lampre-Merida – 331 points
2. Androni Giocattoli – 302 points (last year's winner of the cup)
3. Bardiani-CSF – 207 points
4. Vini Fantini-Selle Italia – 200 points
5. Cannondale - 176 points
6. Colombia – 175 points

The situation, however, could change much before the end of the season with 17 events more events from July to October for teams to pick up points in (listed below).

1. Giro dell’Appennino – 14/07/2013
2. Trofeo Matteotti – 28/07/2013
3. Tre Valli Varesine – 21/08/2013
4. GP Banca di Legnano - Coppa Bernocchi – 22/08/2013
5. 67° Coppa Agostoni - Giro delle Brianze – 23/08/2013
6. Memorial Marco Pantani – 31/08/2013
7. Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda – 02-07/09/2013
8. Monviso – Venezia (Il Padania) – 10-13/09/2013
9. G.P. Costa degli Etruschi – 21/09/2013
10. G.P. Industria & Commercio di Prato - 22/09/2013
11. Milano - Torino - 02/10/2013
12. Gran Piemonte – 04/10/2013
13. Gran Premio città di Peccioli-Coppa Sabatini – 10/10/2013
14. Giro dell'Emilia – 12/10/2013
15. Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli – 13/10/2013
16. Giro della Romagna – 15/10/2013
17. Coppa Placci – 16/10/2013

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, racing, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com.