For CyclingDestination, Kees Langeveld is on the road in his own Giro. The idea? Driving all stages of the Giro d'Italia. But that you also need a bit of a tailwind to do so, sometimes proverbially, as it turns out. Stages 1 and 2 were cancelled. Not because of bad weather, but because of 'no bike'. Those were waiting in a van at the Montenegro border for redemption. That followed in the form of papers and securities. Because a few small denominations of local currency make problems disappear like snow in the sun. Read Kees' story below. And get inspired to create your own 'Giro d'Italia'.
Italy? No Albania!
This year, the Giro d'Italia starts in Albania. Not really a country you think of when looking for a nice destination as a cycling tourist. But now that I am going to ride the Giro with a group, one day ahead of the pros, we are taking on the adventure. So what can you expect? With the map of stage 3 in front of me, I search Qafa e Llogarasë (Llogara pass) in Google Maps. The first photos and videos show a beautiful mountain pass with fine tarmac. Where the pros blast up the 10.7 km a 7.2%, we 50-plussers will take it a lot slower, my recovery rate is lower in any case, but who knows?
Indeed, the next day is a rest day, when we will take the boat to Puglia for the first leg on Italian soil.
So what else do I read on the internet?
It is beautiful and worn, friendly and shabby. With the first part of the sentence, as a car enthusiast I think of an old unrestored Alfa Romeo, but with friendly and shabby pops up our street newspaper vendor in The Hague. Strange combination... 😀.
I also read rave reviews on the internet about Albania's coastline. That will be a lot of picture-taking for ourselves and the home front. On this trip, we are well off. We stop by the side of the road, for coffee and refreshments, which are served from the escort vans. Lunch is prepared by a real cook, who has given us an insight into his dishes beforehand. All carbohydrate-rich, of course, and in Italian style, it might just include pasta.
Relatively flat start
It is nice that we start the Giro relatively flat, this stage has some 2800 altimeters and 160 km in store. We are with 15 riders, giving us the opportunity to ride on nicely with the best riders as leaders, and the lesser gods enjoying the pristine scenery behind.
It will be a day to build memories again? And how will everyone experience it? I look forward to it with curiosity!
More about cycling in Albania? Then check out these articles we already have on CyclingDestination:
