Il Giro d'Italia 2009

[anne2]

Although it does not get underway until 9 May this link may be of use to those of you who are near to any part of this year's route either for your own info or any potential guests. It gives dates, stage details and route maps. All finishes on May 31 in Rome.

2009 Giro d'Italia Route Map, Stages, Preview and Latest Updates; 2008 Results, Video, Teams, TV, aka Tour of Italy

[Violetta]

Interesting to see the route, never realised it went outside the country's borders. Everyday, even in mid-winter, we see both local sport cyclists out on the roads and overseas tour groups. Spotted one little party of American cyclists in Pienza even in the middle of February. Yet the tour doesn't come down this way this year, which is a shame. I've seen le Tour (de France) several times and it's a simply amazing sight, as is the hullaballoo that surrounds it.

[tuscanhills]

I'm a keen follower & have stood for hours on end too many times waiting for a 30 seconds of "buzz, whizz & honk" as the pelaton passes...all the build up and suspense of "Are they? Aren't they?" is well worth it.......get along there!

[Noma]

Mark Cavendish is in the maglia rosa- first Brit ever. The next coupe of stages are flat so hopefully he can keep it until they reach the mountains.

[sarahandmark]

Can't seem to get your link working Anne2 - is anyone else having the same problem?

[Noma]

Steephill seems to be down at the moment- it was working yesterday.

[sarahandmark]

Thanks - will check back in a bit - it must be busy!

[Noma]

Looks like steephills is toast. Here's another very good site:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: foto e video di calcio, formula 1, ciclismo, motomondiale

[Carole B]

Our village is getting really excited too about the imminent arrival of the Giro. They will be passing along the Statale (SS38) which runs between our (high) village and the (low) industrial area on the 16th. They are all planning on where they're going to be to watch it and the two local bars are expecting a bumper day from all the people who will come from the surrounding area to line the road and cheer all these guys. I shall have to get my Union Jack out for the event I think.

I must admit that I thought they were going right down the side of the lake to Lecco and then on to Bergamo, but I see here they are joining the Valsassina from Bellano and then going over the Culmine di San Pietro. That is going to be some 'hairy' ride as you can see
here> http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4...culmineyu1.jpg....

15 May
Friday 7° Stage
INNSBRUCK (AUT) - CHIAVENNA 244Km
In plain, undulated

16 May
Saturday 8° Stage
MORBEGNO - BERGAMO 209Km
In plain, undulated

[Forza Milano]

Does anybody know if they have an open stage on the Giro for non professional cyclists to tackle? i know Le Tour De France does but never heard if the Giro does.