Thought Patterns
by Emanuel
While winning a 4th World Cup Futból title might have brought out the masses of Italians everywhere around the World, the Giro is the sporting event they truly dominate. One of the three events of cycling’s Triple Crown with the Tour and La Vuelta, the Giro is in its centennial year in 2009 and is being raced for the 92nd time.
Of these races, 65 editions have been won by Italians, a very impressive track record if you take into consideration that the French have won the Tour ‘only’ 36 times and Spaniards 28 times La Vuelta. This year’s contenders is stacked and will mark the first time in Lance Armstrong’s career that he participates in the Giro, although he has stated to be there to work for Levi. Cycling’s greatest champions like Indurain, Anquetil, Merckx, Coppi and Hinault have all left their mark on the Giro as well as the Tour and this has always been a blemish on Lance’s record for cycling purists. This most likely won’t be the year that changes.
Here’s the centennial route, enjoy, and get out there riding!
Emanuel
50 facts you need to know about the Giro is a great piece for more trivia about this great race.