As loyal followers of the major rounds of the Giro, Vuelta and the Tour, we are always curious about the route plan. To see which legendary cols will be climbed, but also to see which undiscovered gems are included in the schedule. The first major round is traditionally run in May, the Giro d’Italia. When the route plan was announced, we immediately started looking for the gems. We immediately thought of cycling in Piedmont
Mount Etna in Sicily is already creating fear; the climbs in the Aosta Valley will provide wonderful photos. And what to think of the final climb to Blockhaus in the 9the Stages, the Mortirolo in stage 16 and the Passo Pordoi and Passo Fedaia in stage 20! That's so far the familiar fare for climbing goats. We're looking for the gem! It's right there during the Giro PiëmonteWhy? This relatively unknown region in the land of the boot has it all. Bergen, hills, beautiful views, Turin, good wine and delicious food.
World City Turin
Turin? The city of Juventus, the 2006 Winter Olympics, Fiat and, starting May 21, 2022, the Giro. Turin An itself is already a beautiful city to stay for a few days. The famous Savoie family has left its mark here. Just outside the city you will find the Basilica di Superga on the top of Superga Hill. With a height of 620 meters, no climb is too daunting. But it is a mountain with history. In 1949, the hill was part of one of the biggest football disasters in Italian history. On May 4, 1949, an airplane crashed on the hill in dense fog and heavy rain. All 31 passengers died, including almost the entire team of AC Torino. The team was considered at that time the best football team in the world. This year, the Giro will visit Turin. Around the city, 3 local rounds of 30 km will be run 3 times. If you want to see the riders come by more than once, you will therefore have to visit Turin this year to attend the Giro!
Do you want to visit the Giro? Our partner CYCLOsportive is organizing a beautiful trip to Piedmont in May. The Smaak van Piëmont will let you enjoy La Dolce Vita. Cycling, good wine, delicious food and of course a visit to the Giro!
The Langhe and the Salita dei Campione
Piëmont has more to offer than just the world city Turin. The Langhe in Piëmont is known for its wine and walnuts. The nebbiolo grape is grown here to make the famous Barolo wine. Definitely take a few bottles home with you when you go cycling here. A more than beautiful route in the Langhe is the Salita dei Campione. In total, a route of 120 km with 2,400 meters of elevation gain. So, off you go! By the way, it’s quite easy to incorporate some shortcuts on this route for the cyclist who wants to take it a bit more leisurely.
The Salita dei Campione takes you through short steep climbs, beautiful roads over the hilltops, and through picturesque, old Italian villages. On clear days, from the village square in Mombarcaro you have a magnificent view of the Alps. In Piedmont, the sea, the city, and the Alps are always close by.
Cuneo
Speaking of the Alps, from the Langhe you can reach the foot of mountains that easily reach 2,000 meters in an hour. Cuneo is then a perfect base from which to climb some impressive passes. For example, the Colle dell’Agnello. You know, that mountain where Steven Kruijswijk threw a certain looking finish of the 2016 Giro in the hole. With its 2,744 meters of elevation, the pass is one of the highest in Europe. There’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself making your way to the top here deep into the May between the snow-covered walls. How cool is that?!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.