For CyclingDestination, Kees Langeveld took to the road every day for the Giro in 2025. A day before the race, of course, un Giorno Prima. His previous reports were already a treat to read. It is indeed a wonderful experience to be on the bike every day, like a real professional cyclist. Kees recounts the stories and we are happy to join in.
Would you like to read about his previous experiences? You can do that here:
- Kees in the Giro d’Italia – week 2
- Kees in the Giro: on to stage 3 in Albania
- Giro d’Italia 2025 – One day before: The first week full of heroism, rain and gravel
Sunday 25 May – Rest day in Vicenza
After days in the saddle, it's time for a well-deserved rest day in the charming town of Vicenza, a city known for its beautiful architecture by Andrea Palladio. The bike gets a thorough cleaning, and at Decathlon I buy a brand new Giro jersey – ready for the next stages! Exploring the city by bus, an espresso on a sunny terrace, and of course following the Giro stage. We end the day with a relaxing massage. La dolce vita!
🏛️ Did you know that Vicenza is on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of the many Palladian villas?
Monday 26 May – Stage 16: Piazzola sul Brenta – San Valentino
Strava link
A day not to be soon forgotten! The route starts in Piazzola sul Brenta, known for Villa Contarini, one of the largest villas in Veneto. Fortunately, it remains dry, but the last climb is steep and hot. After the finish, we cycle on to the hotel to recover. In the evening, we go out to have a nice dinner Torbole on Lake Garda. The atmosphere is… to say the least, special. The waiters are already not sober, and the chef gets angry after complaints about a cold lasagna. After an awkward situation, the whole group has to leave the restaurant. Therefore, the next morning is an extra treat for breakfast!
🌊 Torbole is a paradise for windsurfers thanks to the constant wind on Lake Garda.
Tuesday 27 May – Stage 17: San Michele all’Adige – Bormio
The finish is almost in sight but the day starts with rain and mud – a combination that you don’t forget quickly. Fortunately, there is a good time planned to put on dry clothes during lunch. Then all that awaits is the legendary Mortirolo, Even from the ‘easy’ side, it’s a beast of a climb.
🏔️ The Passo del Mortirolo is often considered one of the toughest climbs in the professional peloton.
Wednesday 28 May – Stage 18: Morbegno – Cesano Maderno
This stage is a real sprinter's stage in the race, but that doesn't mean it's a complete downhill race! On the contrary. Fortunately, we have beautiful weather; that was also a while ago. The route along the Comomeer It is breathtakingly beautiful. The route around Lake Como is perhaps the most beautiful route you could cycle. I cycle with the group all day, which makes it easier.
🛶 Lake Como is the deepest lake in Italy and a favorite vacation destination for celebrities like George Clooney.
Thursday 29 May – Stage 19: Biella – Champoluc
What a day! Three climbs of 17 km each, with the middle one being the hardest due to irregular gradient rates. It was a day of extra challenges. Due to gear problems, I switched to a borrowed bike after 25 km. The big disadvantage: this bike has no heart rate monitor or power meter, so it’s purely a matter of feeling your way up the hill. And that actually works surprisingly well! The view and the surroundings certainly help a lot here in the Aosta Valley.
🏞️ Champoluc is located in the Aosta Valley, a region known for its rugged mountains and excellent wines.
Friday 30 May – Stage 20: Verrès – Sestrière
Today the iconic Colle delle Finestre on the program, but unfortunately: the climb is closed due to asphalt work. The Giro is due to pass tomorrow and apparently they haven't finished preparing yet. The Italians are living up to their reputation. After 67 km I can get back on my bike with a new derailleur cable. Despite the disappointment of not being able to ride the Finestre, we still manage to climb 1200 meters with a few extra riders. And a well-deserved ice cream for the final climb!
🚵 The Colle delle Finestre is famous for its unpaved hairpin bends and was a key climb in the 2018 Giro.
Saturday 31st May – Finish in Rome!
We drive more kilometers than the pros themselves and yet I take a short trip in Rome – including a piece about the historical Via Appia, For those who are interested in Roman history, this is a must-do activity. After a few photo shoots, I’m handing over my faithful yellow Cannondale to TopBikeRental. What a feeling to see my wife and daughter again! After 3370 km and 48,500 meters of elevation gain, that’s it. Just one more day in Rome and then it’s really over.
🏛️ The Via Appia is one of the oldest paved roads in Rome, once built in 312 BC.
Sunday 1 June – Rest day in Rome
As a final touch, we spend a relaxing day in the Eternal City. We visit the Giro village Piazza del Popolo and they have a few nice gadgets there. In the afternoon we see the pros running around the Colosseum – impressive! We end the day in a charming restaurant, where a pianist plays a beautiful Italian song. A perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
🎶 Piazza del Popolo literally means “Square of the People” and is a popular meeting place in Rome.
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.