100 years have passed since the first Giro d'Italia bicycle race and to celebrate the occasion a special route has been organised, taking in all the geographical, historical and artistic splendours of the country. The Veneto region is proud to host the most important and eagerly-awaited stage: the beginning. And what better location than the Lido, an area famed for celebrity events, housed within a panorama of fascinating natural beauty. The 9th May 2009 sees a re-run of 12 years ago, when the racers embark on their arduous journey along the sandy stretch which also conjures up images of the maritime tradition of Venice, as well international film stars, and glorious seafood. The second stage of the race also takes place around Venice, in Jesolo, and the fourth leg runs through Padua. The race continues into the Dolomites, touching Austria, then on to Lombardy, a long stretch through the north-west, and moves down to the finish in Rome on 31st May after passing by the magnificent scenery of Vesuvius.
The Giro d'Italia 2009 promises to be the greatest celebration of a century of cycling, with such famous names as: Ganna, Girardengo, Binda, Bartali, Coppi, Magni, Gimondi, Motta, Taccone, Baronchelli, Saronni, Merckx, Bitossi, Hinault, Indurain, Pantani, Bugno as well as the recent winners.
