Over the course of three weeks and 3,400 kilometers, history will be written again as Grand Tour racing soon returns to the streets of Italy. With the 107th edition of the Giro d’Italia promising shorter, faster routes alongside the typical tension of knowing that any one moment could mean the difference between victory and defeat, the countdown to Stage One in Turin is officially underway. But before the first wheels start spinning, we wanted to take a brief glance back at last year’s “Corsa Rosa” while looking ahead at the excitement the upcoming competition holds.
A FIRST WIN, A LOCAL AUDIENCE
While the Giro’s overall winner is bound to grab headlines, (we’re looking at you, Primož Roglič) there are numerous sub-plots on each stage that go into forming the greater narrative of Italy’s annual Grand Tour. One-such chapter unfolded last year on Stage 18, where a surprisingly fast start followed by a series of categorized climbs split the field and resulted in an early and determined seven-rider breakaway.
Amongst that bunch was Italian National Champion and fizik rider Filippo Zana. Heading into the 2023 Giro—his first with a World Tour team—Zana had resolved to do his champion status justice by earning at least one stage win. And on this mountainous 160km course, his time had finally arrived. Managing to keep the tempo as the breakaway quickly decreased from seven to two, Zana’s hard work and patience paid off in a final sprint to a summit finish in Val di Zoldo, claiming Giro glory while wearing his tricolor jersey in front of a local audience in his own backyard.
A BATTLE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
Of course, the 2023 Giro d’Italia had plenty of compelling threads to explore, with some—such as illness-related rider exits, crashes, course design, and extreme weather—playing a large role in shaping the race’s early stages. Then there was the main storyline: a fight between two legends, Geraint Thomas and Primož Roglič, which remained painfully, almost scientifically, close for much of the race.
The fact that Thomas managed to sport the coveted leader’s jersey for an impressive eight days of competition made it all the more of an upset when, on the penultimate stage, Roglič earned back just enough time to secure the Maglia Rosa when it mattered most. With a final lead of 14 seconds, Primož Roglič became the 2023 Giro d’Italia champion by the closest margin in nearly 50 years.
A STAGE TO WATCH
While it remains to be seen what shape the 2024 Giro will take over the upcoming three weeks of competition, eager fans are already eyeing this year’s second-to-last stage as another potential race changer. A far cry from the fast-paced time trial that determined the outcome in 2023, this year, Stage 20 is one for the climbers. With the 175km route making a double ascent up Monte Grappa, the finish sits at the end of what promises to be a fast, all-out descent for anyone trying to make up time—or make a name for themselves.
THE TEAMS TO BEAT
As the 2024 Giro approaches, marking the start of what’s sure to be another thrilling Grand Tour season, we’re thrilled to be lining up behind some of the best teams in the sport. Maybe we’re biased, but we believe these are teams to watch in this year’s race. Don’t believe us? Just check the records.
TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE: Will history repeat itself for the individuals on Team Visma? Following Roglič’s GC win, the riders will have the wind in their sails—but also plenty to prove—in the 2024 Giro.
DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE: The team may have only earned one stage win during the 2023 Giro, but AG2R riders did plenty to excite the competition, and we look forward to them bringing the same energy to this year’s race, too.
MOVISTAR TEAM: Following many notable moments and a remarkable stage win in last year’s competition, the riders of Movistar will be looking to push the pace once again en route to Rome. We’re just thrilled to be invited along for the ride.
With the stages set, riders ready, and countdown underway, it’s nearly Giro time again. Good luck to all the teams, organizers, and athletes. We’ll see you on the road.
Photo:
Tornanti.cc
