Giro d’Italia 2014 – Possibly more gruelling than the Tour de France?
In May this year all eyes in the world of cycling will be on Ireland where the notoriously gruelling annual Italy bike race will start. Why Ireland you may ask? Since the Giro d’Italia began in 1909 it has been held in Italy with occasional excursions to other countries.
The 2014 Giro d’Italia will be the 97th running of this backbreaking cycling race. The tour can be compared to the Tour de France in terms of duration and effort. In fact many cyclists think that the Giro is more difficult than its French counterpart because it starts earlier in the year meaning the weather can be much more unpredictable. Mountain passes are often snow and ice bound. Howling winds accompanied by sleet and hailstones can lash the riders all over the road. On the other hand the merry month of May could see a heat wave beat down on the world’s best riders as they fight for victory in the Giro.
Not many riders win both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia in the same year and only seven cyclists have ever achieved the incredible feat. Can Chris Froome become the first Briton to accomplish the incredible dual cycling exploit?
While the Giro d’Italia will start in Ireland this year, anyone lucky enough to be ensconced in Italy this May will have an opportunity to witness this great and historic sporting spectacle without having to travel too far. The excitement of the final days racing after three weeks of heart shattering effort will conclude in the Italian city of Trieste. Although we have to admit you don’t need to be a cycling fan to have an excuse to visit Trieste. This stunning seaside city was noted by the Lonely Planet in 2012 as being “Europe’s most underrated travel destination.”
“It’s a city that enchants many, its ‘prickly grace’ inspiring a cultlike roll-call of writers, travellers, exiles and misfits,” wrote the Lonely Planet.
If you are keen to capture Giro d’Italia ‘in the flesh’ this year, check out the tour’s itinerary on the official Giro website at: http://www.girostart2014.com/.