Giro d'Italia 2016
 |
| Il Corso |
The second best grand tour is back and so is my second best grand tour preview. We all love one day races with their now or never urgency. And we all love one week races with their diverse stages and multiple opportunities. But nothing compares to to the excitement, the anticipation, the pure drama that is a grand tour. If Paris-Roubaix is like Super Bowl Sunday, then a grand tour is like cramming a whole season plus the playoffs into three weeks of non stop action. Watching a grand tour is like following a really good soap opera. Some days are more exciting than others but you never know when the decisive action will happen. Will the dashing Alejandro succeed or will he be thwarted by the devious Vincenzo? You'll just have to tune in every day to find out. Its even on in the morning so if you can fold laundry while you watch your stories.
This post isn't about who will win the Giro, though I'll throw a little bit of that in there. This post is a guide on how to watch the Giro. So stock up on pasta, prime those corkscrews and get ready for some pure enjoyment.
 |
| Alright, I think we're ready to start |
May 6-8: The Grand Depart
Buona giorno welcome to beautiful Italy...oh wait,what? Well, I guess that prosciutto will have a few more days to age cause this year's Giro starts in the Netherlands. But hey, I think we can figure out a ways to enjoy it up here as well.
Why to watch
It all starts here, so might as well tune in and get accustomed to the peloton. These Dutch stages shouldn't effect the overall race but if you like sprints these stages are for you. But first the whole thing kicks off with a short time trial.
Who to watch
All eyes will be on Cancellera as he tries to take his first Pink Jersey in his last season. The GC contenders will look for early advantages and Dumolin would probably be the favorite here. Saturday and Sunday will see the sprint trains take to the front. This year it's a battle of the big Germans, old school Greips vs new school Skittles with maybe someone like Ewan getting in the mix.
How to watch
Alright, its the start of the Tour of Italy but we are in the Netherlands. If you are really itching to get your "la dolce vita" on then I can't blame you, have some pasta or something, but if you want to stay true to the locale than we'll have to get creative. This region of the Netherlands is known for its fruit jams and juices so if you catch the stage live you could make a tidy little breakfast. If you are looking for something a little more hearty try a traditional smoked sausage (rookworst) or even a sausage stew. This ain't Amsterdam, but if you are into visiting the "coffee shops" now would be the time. For the rest of us there are plenty of good beer choices such as Heineken, Amstel and my fav of the bunch Grolsch. Get it with the sweet swing top.
 |
| Bellisima |
Stage 4, Tuesday May 10th: Italia at Last
We have made it to the boot, specifically the ball of the foot. We will spend our first day in Italy crossing from the Ionian to the Tyrhenian sea, or if you prefer from one part of the Mediterranean to another. We'll hug the western coast and end up in a seaside village around the lower shin.
Why to watch
This stage is in no way a make or break stage and the GC probably won't be affected. But here's the thing, we are finally in Itlay. And I'm talking sun drenched scenery, picturesque villages and ancient monuments, all framed by the azure seas of your italian fantasies. The stage looks kind of lumpy and should make for some fun breakaway action.
Who to watch
With a few flat days and a rest day before today's stage the peloton will be looking for some action. Two cat 3 climbs means somebody could stake an early claim to the Maglia Azzurra. Look for some scrubs from the wild card invite teams to fight it out in the breakaway. I expect a sprint finish, but just maybe the sprinters can't stay in the lead group when they hit the steep climb with 10 k to go.
How to watch
Early in the morning the peloton will be rolling through the fragrant bergamot fields of southern Italy, the oil of which gives Earl Grey tea it's distinctive flavor. Boil some water have a cuppa and tune into the race. It's all about the Mediterranean today. Oily Sardines are a local favorite but if you prefer something a bit more tame maybe make a pasta salad with Fusilli noodles, this region is known for a handmade version. I would pair that with some prosseco but if you want to stay local grab a Verbicaro (red) wine. The finishing town is home to a famous grotto shrine (not the last time we'll see some Mary stuff in this race). If you know of a grotto now's the time to go, or maybe just vsist one of those half bathtub Mary statue things. This should be a scenic race but if you can only catch the last 30K you should still get the important lumpy action.
Stage 6, Thursday May 12th:
Why to watch
This is the first summit finish of the Giro. There is always a lot of emphasis on that first uphill battle of a grand tour. Will the Giro be won today? No. Will some GC contendor turn into a stage hunter after today? Yes.
Who to watch
Not a true alpine climb, but more punchy with steep and flat sections. Look for a fast finisher on the line such as Valverde, but other punchy riders could hang around and spoil the GC party. Also, the mountains jersey contndors should come out to play early in the stage.
How to watch
Save this one for after work and try to watch the whole final climb. The finishing town of Roccaraso is famous for its skiing. "Where the snow meets the sun" is the motto of this ski town so perhaps you may be inspired to where some old school ski gear when cycling. Montepulciano d'Abruzza is a very common wine and you could pick up a bottle just about anywhere. But if you are looking for a unique experience try some local dishes, which rely less on tomatoes and more on a local chili, an ingrediant not typically found in other italian food. As for me I will transport myself to the chilled mountain village with a savory and slightly spicy pollo caccitore l'aquilla style.
Stage 8, Saturday May 14th:
Why to watch
Who to watch
How to watch
Stage 9, Sunday May 15th:
Why to watch
Who to watch
How to watch
Stage 10, Tuesday May 17th:
Why to watch
Who to watch
How to watch
Stage 13, Friday May 20th:
Stage 14, Saturday May 21st:
Stage 15, Sunday May 22nd:
Stage 16, Tuesday May 24th:
Stage 19, Friday May 27th:
Stage 20, Saturday May 27th:
Stage 21, Sunday May 28th: Finale!
