The Tour of Italy
The Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy) is a long distance bicycle race for professional cyclists. It is performed in stages and takes place over a three week period in May or early June in and around Italy.
The Giro d'Italia was inspired by the Tour de France, which was originally organized to increase circulation of L'Auto. Following suit, Emilio Camillo Costamagna, the editor of La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, did the same to boost the circulation of his famously pink newspaper.
The first Giro d'Italia began May 13, 1909 in Milan with eight stages totaling 2,448 kilometers (1,521 miles). Luigi Ganna was the first winner.
The Tour de France, the World Cycling Championship and the Giro d'Italia make up the Triple Crown of Cycling. Along with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, the Giro d'Italia is one of the three Grand Tours.
Our good friend and journalist, Marco Pastonesi (below left), covers the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, among other international bike tours for Gazzetta dello Sport.
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