The BBC have started reporting on the Giro – for the first time that I can remember. The trouble is they’re not awfully good at it yet. If you want information as it happens, with expert commentary on what the results mean, we have to dig a bit deeper.
Results on the Internet.
1. The Giro D’Italia site.
The official Giro site is very useful. It’s in English, and there’s a detailed stage-by-stage guide that shows a map, profile and climb commentary for each stage. There’s an in-race summary of where the riders are during the race, and full details of the classifications for the Overall leader (Pink Jersey) the Points leader (Red Jersey – come on Cav!) and the King of the Mountains leader (Blue Jersey).
For the detailed statistics behind each and every stage, this is the best website
2. Cycling Weekly
The main magazine in the UK for bike racing is Cycling Weekly, and their website has become a great source of results information and articles. They have a special section dedicated to the Giro , as well as dozens of articles that will serve as a good introduction to this year’s race if you’re interested.
Here’s a selection:
10 Things You Need To Know About The Giro
Who Will Win The Giro?
Who Will Win The Giro?
Ryder Hesjedal says he’s lighter and stronger than when he won
Other Internet Sites.
The Giro is such a popular event, there are lots of other interesting sites on the Internet. I’ve chosen two:
1. Podium Cafe
Sports Blog Nation have a wonderful blog post written by a very knowledgable Giro enthusiast. This article will give you a much better idea of the great mountain passes of the Giro, espcially the Passo Stelvio and the Passo Gavia, the two hardest climbs in this year’s race.
Each of the major climbs is listed in order of difficulty, with information on length, gradient, ascent, etc. There are some great photos, and some personal commentary from a guy who really knows his onions.
2. Steephill.tv
A website that describes itself as providing Alternative bike racing and touring reports. I found a lot of great photos on their site. You can choose a stage, or see the photos from the whole race. Here’s a link to their gallery for the Giro so far: Steephill.tv Giro photo gallery
All media outlets now offer Twitter timelines which allow you to follow magazines, individual journalists, even ex-racers who Tweet about in-race events and also highlight the best articles, photos and videos.
Here are six that I follow to keep up with the Giro:
1. Cycling Weekly. The official Twitter feed of Cycling Weekly magazine. News, links, results and cycling chat.
Find them on Twitter: @cyclingweekly
2. Bicycling Magazine. Bicycling.com offers tips, news, product reviews, race reports, blogs, video, and more.
Find them on Twitter: @BicyclingMag
3. Cyclingnews.com . The Official CN. The world centre of cycling. Follow the Tour de France here
Find them on Twitter: @Cyclingnewsfeed
4. Cycling Right Now . The best collection of cycling news on Twitter!
Find them on Twitter: @CyclingRightNow
5. Giro d’Italia. Giro d’Italia official channel. Giro d’Italia 2013: 4-26 May
Find them on Twitter: @giroditalia
6. The Inner Ring. News, chatter and interaction from The Inner Ring cycling blog.
Find them on Twitter: @inrng
And Finally – A Reading List
One of the reasons for writing a series of blogs about the 2013 Giro D’Italia was to provide a good excuse to buy some more books. Just in case I’m accused of not sharing, these are the 3 I bought, and I can recommend any or all of them. One thing that will surprise you is just how good Fausto Coppi was. And if you fancy buying one, but only one, go for the Maglia Rosa
1. Pedalare! Pedalare!
By John Foot
2. Fallen Angel: The Passion of Fausto Coppi.
By William Fotherigham
3. Maglia Rosa: Triumph and Tragedy
at the Giro D’Italia
