Kees Langeveld rode the stages of the Giro d’Italia for three weeks, a day before the peloton started. Giro d’Italia – un giorno prima is a fantastic and beautiful initiative. Read Kees’ previous experiences in his article about week 1 and about his days in Albania.
Sunday 18 May – Giro d’Italia one day before – rest day 2
After a week of hard work, the rest day in Viareggio is a delight. This elegant seaside resort on the Tuscan coast is known for its wide sandy beaches, stately Art Nouveau villas, and the lively promenade, the Passeggiata Margherita. Here, tourists and locals stroll along colorful kiosks and historic cafés. Together with Marieke, our masseuse I still remember from the 2022 Tour de France, I leisurely walk along the boulevard and back along the waterline. We treat ourselves to an ice cream cone with four balls – Marieke’s lucky number – and enjoy the sun, the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the smell of salt and sunscreen.
Viareggio is not only a beach destination, but also a cultural place. The annual carnival is one of the largest in Europe, with gigantic floats and satirical figures. Today, however, no celebration noise, but peace and quiet, reading and a chance to put aside thoughts about the upcoming stages.
Monday 19 May – Giro d’Italia – Stage 10 – Individual time trial Lucca- Pisa
After a week of hard work, the rest day in Viareggio is a treat. This elegant seaside town on the Tuscan coast is known for its wide sandy beaches, stately art-nouveau villas, and the lively promenade, the Passeggiata Margherita. Tourists and locals stroll here along colorful kiosks and historic cafés. Together with Marieke, our masseuse who I still remember from the 2022 Tour de France, we leisurely walk along the promenade and back along the waterline. We treat ourselves to an ice cream cone with four balls – Marieke’s lucky number – and enjoy the sun, the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the smell of salt and sunscreen.
Viareggio is not only a beach destination, but also a cultural place. The annual carnival is one of the largest in Europe, with gigantic floats and satirical figures. Today, however, no celebration noise, but peace and quiet, reading and a chance to put aside thoughts about the upcoming stages.
Tuesday 20 May – Giro d’Italia – stage 11 – Viareggio – Castelnovo ne’ Monti
Today awaits a tough ride with the highlight being the climb to San Pellegrino in Alpe. This climb is notorious: long stretches of 17% make it a real ordeal. Fortunately, the route winds through beautiful mountain scenery, which somewhat eases the pain. Castelnovo ne’ Monti is located in the Apennines and is known primarily for its Pietra di Bismantova, an impressive rock formation that was already described by Dante in his “Divina Commedia”. The surroundings are rugged and green, with deep valleys and dense forests – a paradise for nature lovers and climbers.
The weather is fine: some rain and a brief thunderstorm, but the legs are still good. After the finish, the emergency weather really kicks in. We arrived just in time.
Wednesday 21st May Giro d’Italia – stage 12 – Modena – Viadana
Finally, a flat ride with good weather – a welcome change. We drive past Maranello, the home of Ferrari. Here lies the famous test track Fiorano, where the latest models are tested. The smell of gasoline and speed hangs in the air. Modena itself is a culinary hotspot: the city is famous for its traditional balsamic vinegar and as the birthplace of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti.
The ride ends in Viadana, a town in the Povlakte region that is especially known for its strong rugby tradition. In the final straight stretch, we sprint – I lose narrowly to our 67-year-old veteran, a former professional from Willem II. We laugh about it and enjoy our recovery quark with muesli and pure chocolate. A short ride, great satisfaction.
Thursday 22 May Giro d’Italia – stage 13 – Rovigo – Vicenza
A relatively easy ride today, with a delicious paella for lunch prepared by our top chef. Rovigo is a quiet town in the Veneto region, with a charming historical center and several beautiful palaces. The ride ends in Vicenza, a city that is on the World Heritage List thanks to the architect Andrea Palladio. His classic designs, such as the Villa Rotonda and the Teatro Olimpico, They have had an influence on the construction art worldwide.
The finale of the race is spectacular: a climb to the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico, a pilgrimage site with views over the city. Riders like Mads Pedersen take their chance here – and with success: his fourth victory of this Giro. Wout van Aert is again second. What a battle!
Friday 23 May Giro d’Italia – stage 14 – Treviso – Nova Gorica
The ride starts boringly, with long straight stretches over busy roads. Fortunately, we drive in a group, which makes it bearable. Treviso is a hidden gem, with canals, medieval buildings, and the birthplace of tiramisu – a perfect place for a coffee break. During lunch, Marieke expertly eases the pain in my knee. Then I feel great again.
The end of the race is surprisingly enjoyable: we drive in loops through Slovenia and Italy. Nova Gorica is just across the border and together with Gorizia forms a unique double city. The region is known for its wine, especially the fresh white wines from the Vipava Valley. Kasper Asgreen wins today solo – an impressive achievement.
Saturday 24 May – Giro d’Italia – stage 15 – Fume Veneto – Asiago
Today a tough mountain stage. The Muro di Cà del Poggio It lives up to its name: a short but steep wall that immediately puts your legs on edge. Then follow two long climbs, including the notorious Monte Grappa. This mountain is not only a cycling icon, but also a historical site: during the First World War, fierce fighting took place here. Above it stands an impressive ossuary in memory of the thousands of fallen soldiers.
The second 17 km climb goes surprisingly well, despite a rain shower. We end up in Asiago, famous for its cheese and located in a plateau with expansive views. We stay here for two nights – time to recover, enjoy the tranquility and of course: a deep massage.
Standings after two weeks of the Giro d’Italia – one day before
🚴♂️ 1066 km cycled
⛰️ 11,468 altitude meters conquered
💪 And still good legs!
Questions & tips
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