ITALIAN CYCLING JOURNAL: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Giro d'Italia Apps for Apple, Android, Windows Phone

The Giro d'Italia has developed an app in Italian/English for three platforms, available for free:
Apple: http://bit.ly/ZU7THV
Android: http://bit.ly/Klo9fv
Windows Phone: http://bit.ly/13Jnvy3

Don't forget: the official 2013 Giro d'Italia technical guide has been published digitally also. The guide, in pdf format, is 368 pages long. If you're deep into following the Giro you should have it by your side. Click here to download.

re: tweets: the official hashtag for Giro d'Italia will be #giro

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Pope Francis Blesses Maglia Rosa

Pope Francis, in the picture with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, has blessed the Maglia Rosa of the 2013 Giro d'Italia which will start Saturday, May 4th, from Naples and ends on May 26 in Brescia.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Five Days from the Start of the 96th Giro d'Italia

We are five days away from the start of the 96th Giro d’Italia, Saturday, May 4th until Sunday, May 26th, from Naples to Brescia.

The potential contenders to wear the Maglia Rosa could be last year’s winner, Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, British rider Bradley Wiggins, Italian Vincenzo Nibali, the Spaniard and former Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez, Ivan Basso, Cadel Evans from Australia and the Dutch rider Robert Gesink.

Amongst the starters will also be the first Chinese rider in the Giro: JI Cheng of Team Argos Shimano.

Here is the list of the 23 teams at the start (9 riders each) and some of the main protagonists:

Ag2r La Mondiale: Pozzovivo (ITA), Betancur (COL)
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela: Pellizotti (ITA), Sella (ITA)
Astana Pro Team: Nibali (ITA), Aru (ITA)
Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox: Modolo (ITA), Battaglin (ITA)
Blanco Pro Cycling Team: Gesink (NED), Kruijswijk (NED)
Bmc Racing Team: Evans (AUS), Phinney (USA)
Cannondale Pro Cycling: Basso (ITA), Viviani (ITA)
Colombia: Atapuma (COL), Duarte (COL)
Euskaltel Euskadi: Sanchez Samuel (ESP), Egoi Martinez (ESP)
FDJ: Bouhanni (FRA), Casar (FRA)
Garmin Sharp: Hesjedal (CAN), Millar (GBR)
Katusha: Paolini (ITA), Caruso (ITA)
Lampre – Merida: Scarponi (ITA), Serpa (COL)
Lotto Belisol: Bak (DEN), Hansen (AUS)
Movistar Team: Capecchi (ITA), Visconti (ITA)
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team: Cavendish (GBR), Pauwels (BEL)
Orica Greenedge: Goss (AUS), Weening (AUS)
Radioshack Leopard: Kiserlovski (CRO), Popovich (UKR)
Sky Procycling: Wiggins (GBR), Uran (COL)
Team Argos – Shimano: Degenkolb (GER), JI Cheng (CHN)
Team Saxo – Tinkoff: Majka (POL), Boaro (ITA)
Vacansoleil - Dcm Pro Cycling Team: Marcato (ITA), Rujano (VEN)
Vini Fantini - Selle Italia: Garzelli (ITA), Rabottini (ITA)

A series of interviews and analysis from the contenders:

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

“I Forzati della strada” Returns to Marche Region on July 28th

"I Forzati della strada" (The Convicts of the Road) vintage ride event will be held on July 28th in Montelparo, the beautiful village overlooking the hills of the province of Fermo in the Marche region.

The name "I Forzati della Strada" originates from French journalist Albert Londres. He was a foreign affairs reporter for Le Petit Journal of Paris. In 1923 he went to the French penal colony of Cayenne in Guyana. Describing the horrors, his reports produced reactions in public opinion. Shortly after returning from Cayenne he was invited to follow and report on the 1924 Tour de France. His observation was that suffering of the riders and the convicts of Cayenne were similar. He referred to the Tour de France as the "Tour de Souffrance" (Tour of Suffering) and that the riders as the "Les Forçats de la route" (The convicts of the road; in Italian, I Forzati della strada). For this reason, this year's event is being held during July, the month of the Tour de France.

The event is part of the Giro d’Italia d’Epoca and offers participants the opportunity to choose between two routes of 40 km and 80 km, all in the open countryside and half on dirt roads. The group will be escorted by vintage cars and motorcycles, just to recreate the atmosphere cycling that is usually seen in faded black and white movies. Along the route way there will be a number of dining surprises of food and wine. To cool yourself you can also stop at some of the old water fountains in the ancient villages that dot the route.

To give an oportunity to those that do not have a vintage bicycle, road bikes (no mountain bikes permitted) of any vintage will be allowed but cycling kits prior to 1985 will be required.

The first 100 subscribers will be a given special pacco gara (race packet). All participants will have a lunch of specilialties from Fermo. During lunch the random draw prizes will be drawn, one of which will be a pair of custom made leather cycling shoes by Carlo Corvaro.

Event information: www.iforzatidellastrada.it
email: info@iforzatidellastrada.it

Marche is a beautiful region which more cyclists need to discover.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Südtirol Sellaronda HERO, June 22nd

The online registration total was reached several months ago for the Südtirol Sellaronda HERO mtb race on June 22nd, and the only race start numbers still remaining that are available are those combined with holiday packages of 3 days or a week. The packages allow you to take to take part in this great race and to enjoy a vacation in the Dolomites.

Note that the following day, June 23rd, is Sellaronda Bike Day when roads are closed to vehicular traffic and you can ride the passes of Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo, and Gardena in a casual way.

The Südtirol Sellaronda HERO, will have two routes that make their way around the Sella Group, one is 62 km long with a total elevation gain of 3,300 meters and the other is even more demanding - 84 km with the elevation gain of 4,300 metres. The Südtirol Sellaronda HERO will be the eigth leg of the UCI Marathon World Series 2013 circuit and the 84 km route will be valid for purposes of the Marathon World Series for men, whilst the 62 km route will be valid for the women’s circuit. As in past years the race is open to all comers: federation members will compete in the appropriate category and those who are not federation members will be classified in the “hobby” category.

Information on the packages can be found here: www.sellarondahero.com/en/hotel_accommodation.asp

Photos: photo COMetaPRess/Brena/CanonDigital

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Win a Campagnolo 80th Anniversary Equipped Diamondback

Diamondback is working to gain recognition for their road bikes. Towards that effort they have a drawing for a Diamondback Podium 7 with a full Campagnolo 80th anniversary gruppo + HED wheelset. You'll have to go to Facebook here. Entries accepted until August 1, 2013.

You could win this:

Photo: www.bikerumor.com

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Velodrome Fixed Fest 2013

The first three day event in Italy for fixed gear fans is being organized for June 14 to June 16, 2013. Velodrome Fixed Fest 2013 be held at the Velodromo Internazionale in Forano, in the province of Rieti. Forano is very near Rome so getting to the event will be very easy.

The three day fixed gear festival will be filled with competitive events on the 250m track, concerts, entertaintment, an exposition, and use of the velodrome. Fixed gear fans from all of Italy and foreign countries are invited to participate. Entry will be free (those competing will pay 10 euro for the race packet) and there will be free camping.

Event details and registration at www.velodromefixedfest.com

Also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VelodromeFixedFest

Photo: wwwstilidistrada.blogspot.com

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Win a Cipollini RB1000 Team Edition from Team Vini Fantini Selle Italia

Capture the most "representative" photo of Vini Fantini Selle Italia at the 2013 Giro d'Italia and you could win a Cipollini RB1000 team edition bicycle.

The idea behind the contest is to have #YELLOWFLUO fans capture images of memorable moments of the team that convey the excitement of the race.

Participating in the contest is simple: just go to the official Facebook page of the team (www.facebook.com/farneseviniselleitalia), click on the box "Scatta il rosa #GIALLOFLUO" and fill out the form, attaching your photo, which must portray one of the #YELLOWFLUO cyclists during one of the 21 stages in the Giro d'Italia. To participate it is necessary to be of full age and send only images (no limit) to which you own the copyright.

The contest starts May 4th and ends at 11.59pm on May 26th, just a few hours after the conclusion of the race. Then the selection will begin: a jury composed of a manager of RCS Sport, Angelo Citracca (General Manager Vini Fantini Selle Italia), Luca Scinto (Sports Director Vini Fantini Selle Italia) and the rider of the team that has achieved the best results in the Giro d'Italia will decide which image best embodies the essence of #YELLOWFLUO experience during Giro.

The unmistakable yellow flourescent kits you should be looking for:

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Miss Maglia Rosa for 2013 Giro d'Italia

The contest to select Miss Maglia Rosa for the the 2013 Giro d'Italia has concluded. Balocco, the new Giro d'Italia Maglia Rosa sponsor (after the long run of Estathe' as sponsor), held the contest.

Two! Miss Maglia Rosa were selected, Guendalina Bianchetti and Francesca Marta. Below are photos they each submitted as contestants.

Guendalina Bianchetti, from Morro Reatino:

Francesca Marta, from Rome:

Now you know who will be at each start of this year's Giro.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

2013 Giro d'Italia, the Technical Guide and Latest Changes

The official 2013 Giro d'Italia technical guide has been published and are ready for distribution:

There is a digitial version, in pdf format. Click here to download, note that it is 368 pages long.

www.cyclingnews.com has published the following information regarding changes to the previously announced course:

By Mauro Vegni, the technical and sports director at RCS Sport.

There are just a few days to go to the start of the Giro d'Italia in Naples on Saturday May 4 and in recent weeks we've finalised the stage details and route of the whole race.

Unfortunately the bad weather that Italy has suffered this winter has caused a series of landslides and other problems that has forced us to change parts of several stages of this year's race. This happens every year but Italy has been hit especially hard this winter. We've also made changes to improve the racing and so that the public along the route can enjoy the action more.

An example is the opening stage in Naples. It has been shortened to 130km and a second, shorter circuit will be used for the final part of the stage after four laps of the longer loop to Posillipo. This will make for a more thrilling and entertaining finish.

The Cilento area, south of Naples, has been especially hard hit by bad weather and subsequent land slides that have affected stage 3 from Sorrento to Marina di Ascea. A lot of the problems have been resolved thanks to the great work of the local council but we've been forced to change a key categorised climb, with the race now going over San Mauro Cilento, a tough climb that could cause a selection and so reflect our original plans for the stage.

Rain has also caused floods and damage to a bridge along the route of stage five from Cosenza to Matera in the south. As a result we've had to change the route and avoid Tarsia and Spezzano Albanese. A similar change has been done to part of stage seven from Mola di Bari to Margherita di Savoia. We've also added an extra circuit to the stage, making a final stage distance of 169km.

We've also made changes to stage nine to Florence. The Tuscany city will host the world road race championships in September and we'd hoped to do a lap of the circuit that will be used. However economic problems and bad weather has delayed the work on the roads and several sections are only now being resurfaced and improved. That means the Giro d'Italia will only briefly cover the road race course and the stage will end in Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking Florence, with a short climb up to the finish.

We've also made other minor changes to some other stages after talking to local councils and discussing their plans to resurface the roads the Giro d'Italia covers. These are often about choosing a different road to pass through a village or town, so that the local people can enjoy the Giro d'Italia more, or to protect the safety of the riders if we consider a road or junction unsuitable for the peloton.

Safety comes first for us. The stage distances might have changed slightly but the Giro d'Italia hasn't changed.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

May is Gran Fondo Season in New York

On Sunday, May 5th the inaugural Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia - Five Boro will get underway. In this case the Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia has partenered with the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, a tour which attracts about 32,000 riders. Gran Fondo riders will start before the Tour riders. The course, 40 miles in length, passes through the five boroughs of New York City on car-free roads, thanks to the cooperation of City agencies and officials.

At the start line will be special guest Gianni Bugno (Giro d’Italia, 1990 which he lead from start to finish); World Champion 1991 and 1992) who will ride side by side with the Gran Fondo participants.

The organization of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia is managed by RCS Sport; RCS Sport is also the organizer of Giro d’Italia. The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia - Sea Otter Classic was held in California this past weekend, you can read a review here.

Event information: www.granfondogiroditalia.com

The Campagnolo Granfondo New York gets underway two weeks later on Sunday, May 19th, 25 days from today.The competition at GFNY will be based on the time it takes a rider from crossing the start line until crossing the end of timing line. Each rider will be individually chip timed. The timed distance will be 97 miles. The last few miles to the finish in Weehawken will not be timed but have to be covered to be an official finisher and be eligible for awards. The Bear Mountain timed climb, "cronoscalata", is still in place but there won't be prizes for fastest times on this climb.

Event information at www.granfondony.com; the max field size is 7,000 riders.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

AleJet Switches Off His Engines, "I Stop Here"

Alessandro Petacchi had decided to retire effective immediately.

In his words, “Paris-Roubaix closed an early part of the season in which I raced a lot, trying to be protagonist in Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix. I approached all of these races in the whole professional way, driven by the enthusiasm of Galbusera family and our new team sponsors. I gave my best, as I always have in my18 seasons as a professional cyclist. My career has been full of satisfaction and enriched by the most important victories that a rider like me could ever aimedfor. At the threshold of the 200 victories in my career, I feel my life reaches a turning point in which I perceive the need to find a new dimension and to have more time to dedicate to my family.

I want to say goodbye to all the cycling fans, considering that maybe there will be the chance to come back some day to be part on the world that gave me so much, offering my experience to the new cycling generations. "

A sprinter, Petacchi won 51 grand tour stages with wins of the points jersey in the Giro d'Italia in 2004, the Vuelta a España in 2005 and the Tour de France in 2010. In the classics he won Milan – San Remo in 2005 and Paris–Tours in 2007.

Photo: Team Lampre-Merida

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Michele Bartoli Crono Squadre (Team Time Trial)

Marco Mori, owner of Gusto Cycling-Auhtentic Italian Cycling Holidays, reports on the return participation in the "Crono Squadre della Versilia-Michele Bartoli". In 2008, Bartoli launched the 1st edition of a variation on the granfondo for amateurs, a team time trail for amateurs held in the same way as the grand tours. The event is held in March in Forte dei Marmi, the course is 31 km in length.

Marco's report and video:

“Nonna’s La Squadra” came back to participate in the Michele Bartoli team time trial to try and improve on last years time and learn from experience. Well we did just that. a much stonger team this time and an agreement by all not to hang back for those who couldn’t keep the pace.

The evening before the usual one drink before bed was extended to 2 and then 3 but we did get to bed earlier then last year. In the morning Mirko (pro Masseur) popped in to give everyone a professional massage which gave everyone the focus for the morning ahead!!

NONNA’S la Squadra started off amazingly strong at well over 50kph in the first 10km!! The weather was cloudy with strong winds coming from the sea plus occassional rain. Massimo, my colleague, and I gave the guys lots of encouragement via the car horns and general shouts of support. The boys had a much slicker line throughout which made a huge difference to last year and constant regular changes at the front allowed the boys to recuperate. However, the very strong start began to show as the pace whilst still high began to take its toll and as the pace settled down to 43kph which was the average speed.

The team began to shed 1,2 and in the last 10km a 3rd rider retired….with 5km remaining a 4th rider, Matt, fell back and I thought that was it….the team was down to 4!!! But after 1km Matt Rodgers emerged from the rain, passed the car and stormed back within the group (see video..it’s true!) much to the surprise of his team mates…a super effort by Matt to get back on allowed the minimum 5 riders to gain an official time and position.

Nonna’s La Squadra achieved a 2 minute improvement on last year and 30 places with a time of 43m 58s in 43kph average speed..the team came in 78th Place from 165 teams a great effort…..the winning team was 37m 06sec in 50.12kph!!!

After cycle ride for well earned lunch in the artifarti town of Pietrasanta and to the 2nd most expensive wine cellar in Italy!!"

Michele Bartoli Team Time Trial - Tuscany - Nonna's La Squadra came back!! from Gusto Cycling on Vimeo.

Marco's 2012 report and video are here.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Vigorelli Design Competition Winner

The winner of the Maspes-Vigorelli Design Competion has been announced: Vittorio Grassi Architetto & Partners of Milano.

What we know at the moment about the winning proposal:
-it will be a multifunction facility dedicated to sports with a capacity of 5,570 seats
-a synthetic grass infield will be used for rugby, American football; other sports that can be hosted in the infield: hockey, basketball, tennis, boxing
-the track will be 250 meters with a small section of the original track preserved (addendum: track is removable); the original track was 400m
-there will be a cycling museum in the north wing
- the facility will not have a cover therefore it will not be able to host world championships
-construction will begin in 2014
-construction completion in 2016
-cost € 18 million

We previously published details of the design competition here.

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

2013 Giro del Trentino, Stage 4 Results and Conclusion

Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) launched his attack with 6 km to go to the finish on the Sega di Ala ascent with Mauro Santambrogio the only one to stay close. The Italian triumphed at the top of this new finishing climb ahead of Santambrogio and Niemec clinching the overall win. During the climb Wiggins had a mechanical or electronic problem that affected his shifting which caused him to stop and wait for a bike change; he was not able to get back to the leaders.

"Winning on a climb like this is the biggest thing for me right now," said Nibali. "There are still a couple of weeks to the Giro, and Wiggins remains my main rival, but I saw both Evans and Basso in clear progression. As for myself, I am very glad to rely on a strong team, that hasn’t made a mistake in tactical terms both here and at Tirreno-Adriatico." When asked about Sunday’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Vincenzo replied: "Today I spent a lot of energy, and I have a number of strong rivals. We will see."

The leader going into today's stage, Maxime Bouet, put in a tremendous effort on the final climb but lost too much time to Nibali, however he did save a podium finish coming in 3rd on GC.

Wiggins' bad luck:

Top 20 GC:

1 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team 17:49:11
2 Mauro Santambrogio (Ita) Vini Fantini - Selle Italia 0:00:21
3 Maxime Bouet (Fra) Ag2r La Mondiale 0:00:55
4 Fabio Aru (Ita) Astana Pro Team 0:01:16
5 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling 0:01:40
6 Przemyslaw Niemiec (Pol) Lampre - Merida 0:01:45
7 Stefano Pirazzi (Ita) Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox 0:02:15
8 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:02:18
9 Stefano Locatelli (Ita) Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox 0:03:05
10 Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar 0:03:22
11 Marcos Garcia (Spa) Caja Rural - Seguros RGA 0:03:29
12 Kanstantin Siutsou (Blr) Sky Procycling 0:04:14
13 Andre Fernando S.Mar Cardoso (Por) Caja Rural - Seguros RGA 0:04:18
14 Alexsandr Dyachenko (Kaz) Astana Pro Team 0:04:22
15 Ivan Rovny (Rus) Ceramica Flaminia - Fondriest 0:04:49
16 Diego Rosa (Ita) Androni Giocattoli 0:05:00
17 Davide Rebellin (Ita) CCC Polsat Polkowice 0:05:15
18 Christopher Butler (USA) Champion System Pro Cycling Team 0:05:28
19 Ivan Basso (Ita) Cannondale Pro Cycling 0:05:48
20 Leopold Konig (Cze) Team Netapp - Endura 0:06:45

It appears we are in for a treat with a Nibali vs. Wiggins battle at the Giro d'Italia which starts in two weeks.

Photos: Giro del Trentino

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Naples Start Information for the 2013 Giro d'Italia

Will you be in Napoli (Naples) for the 2013 Giro d'Italia start? Some details:

Friday, May 3, 2013:
Napoli: Piazza del Plebiscito
- Opening Ceremony: 3.30-7.00 PM
- Team presentations: 4.05 – 5.35 PM

Saturday, May 4, 2013:
Napoli: Piazza del Plebiscito, 1st stage start: 2.20 PM
Napoli: Via Caracciolo, 1st stage finish: 5.15 PM (approximately, after 156 km)

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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. There are now more than 2,700 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.

Sidi Introduces Men and Women's Cycling Clothing

Sidi is introdcuing a line of men and women's technical clothing for cycling. The collection has been developed for Sidi Sport by Castelli.

Mens:

Women's:

The men's summer collection features models are called Pippo and Ivan, an obvious homage to Sidi super-champions Filippo Pozzato and Ivan Basso, and the Dino model is dedicated to Dino Signori, founding owner of Sidi Sport. As for the women's collection the Katia model stands out with its t-shirt and shorts which can be complemented by a tank top, a very popular piece that is always in high demand with cyclists, especially in the summer months.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

2013 Giro del Trentio, Stage 3 Results

Condino Ivan Santaromita finally delivered an Italian victory at 37th Giro del Trentino. The 28-year-old BMC rider from Varese took just his second win after Coppi&Bartali’s GC three years ago, managing to edge out Paolo Tiralongo and Michele Scarponi. "In the morning, Cadel Evans and Baldato told me to make my own race and try for the breakaway," Santaromita said. "Days like these reward you for all the sacrifices you make during your career. And it’s great to enjoy the great taste of a win after so long."

Maxime Bouet retained the leader’s fuchsia jersey for another day by continuing with his 3'19" GC lead. "Tomorrow, I will need to cover the Astana guys as they have plenty of riders who are very suited to high gradients like Sega di Ala. With such an advantage and the condition I had three weeks ago, I could have negotiated through tomorrow with little worry. Nevertheless, I am still hoping for this – for myself and for my team, who are doing an outstanding job” commented Bouet.

Tomorrow is the final stage, ending with a new, tough, uphill finish to Sega di Ala after 166.8 km.

The climb averages 9.2% with its 21 hairpin turns. The first 6 km have a 10% average which in certain parts reaches 14 to 16%. There are a series of hairpin turns leading up to an altitude above 800 m. Then there is a tunnel and the road flattens out for about 500 m around the 7th km of the climb. Then there are the 3 hardest km where the average incline is around 11.5% reaching 20% in some parts. After that the road continues to climb gently for the last 3 km leading to the H.C. KOM point and the finish line which is placed at the end of a 300 m. long and 4 m. wide straight with an approximately 2% grade.

Pozzovivo won't be in contention as he crashed out today (rib contusions and elbow wound). Will Bouet be able to hold off Wiggins, Nibali and Santambrogio (3rd, 4th and 5th)? Turn the TVs and computers on for an exciting finale.

Top 20 GC:

Maxime Bouet (Fra) Ag2r La Mondiale