For Cycling Destination, Kees Langeveld is on the way in beautiful Italy. You could see it First part of his adventure, for those who have already read about driving with ‘Un Giorno Prima’ with us. Here is his report of a week full of heroism, gravel and rain. Kees cycles all the stages, so that will take a lot of kilometers and a lot of elevation gain in his legs! Do you have questions about his adventure? Leave a comment in the comments section!
Saturday – Crossing the Strait to Puglia
The Giro starts this year in Albania, But even before the first pedal is turned, the improvising begins. The buses are tied to the border: the original papers are missing. Yet in the end, we manage to safely cross the border with the entire caravan to Brindisi by boat. At the quay, we are immediately approached by curious customs officers. They think we belong to the Giro organization — which is logical, given our shirts with the official Giro logo and the addition “/ un giorno prima” that creates that impression. The ice breaks quickly, and before we know it, we are handing out gadgets. Around half past eleven, we sit down to eat. Giro begins with pasta and stories.
Sunday 11 May – Stage 4: Alberobello – Lecce
A relaxed drive south on the boot. The group drives smoothly, despite a downpour that appears halfway through. We end up in Lecce, a baroque gem in the heel of Italy. At the finish, we chat with a group of older Italians, proud of their region. And indeed, Rai Sport films us. Now we just have to find it back!
Monday 12 May – Stage 5: Ceglie Messapica – Matera
Today I choose a calm start, together with a fellow rider who prefers to build up the pace. The first hills are like hurdles on the road, but after 60 kilometers we join the group. The rain continues, but the mood remains good. Matera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient cave dwellings — is the reward after this wet but atmospheric ride.
Tuesday 13 May – Stage 6: Potenza – Naples
Today we are writing a classic: the longest stage so far. Sun, rain, hail, thunderstorms, wind and even flooded streets — it’s a meteorological battlefield. The route runs through tunnels and chaotic city traffic. Naples does not disappoint: loud, lively and completely crazy. We end as it should, with pasta and then a burger with fries. Carbo-loading, in Italian style.
Wednesday 14 May – Stage 7: Castel di Sangro – Tagliacozzo
The day starts dry, but that doesn’t last long. Around 90 kilometers, the rain starts pouring down, and the cold bites. Half the group abandons it. We ride with seven brave souls, descend in the dusk, and continue climbing in a wet pack. After the finish, we immediately get into the van, shivering but satisfied.
Thursday 15 May – Additional stage: Rome (adjustment by the organization)
A logistical master plan: Stage 21 is being moved up. This way we avoid a double transfer of 700 kilometers. Three buses, two trailers, and a lot of good humor will get us to the start. The drive towards Rome feels like a Sunday drive: coffee break with Tiramisu, taking photos, laughing with the group. At the end, I take the train to Rome so that I can actually cross the finish line in Rome tomorrow.
Thursday 16 May – Stage 8: Giulianova – Castelraimondo
We are back on schedule. It’s cool at the start, and rain is in the air. I choose to leave early. The climb to Valico di Santa Maria Maddalena (12.3 km at 7.2%) is tough, but it’s just a taste of things to come. Later there are slopes of 15%, and Cagliole even peaks at 17%. The ice cream after the ride is not a luxury, but a necessity. A relief in a pinch.
Friday 17 May – Stage 9: Gubbio – Siena
Finally dry, thankfully — because today there are gravel sections on the menu. They don’t arrive until the end of the ride, but they take their toll: five flat tires, slow climbs on loose gravel, and steep slopes. The Via Santa Caterina, at 17% kilometers, seems shorter and less steep on TV. Pros ride up here at 20 kilometers per hour; we fight for every meter. But the Piazza del Campo in Siena makes up for everything.
We have covered 1034 kilometers with 15,000 meters of elevation gain on the odometer. Our legs are tired, but our hearts want more. On to week two!
Want to know more about the Giro d’Italia? Go to Official website
Want to know more about Italy? Check out our special page Cycling in Italy page
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