Kees out for the Giro d'Italia - Week 3

For CyclingDestination, Kees Langeveld went out for the 2025 Giro every day before the race. A day before the race that is, un Giorno Prima. His previous reports were already to be savoured. Being on the bike every day like a real pro rider is a truly wonderful experience anyway. Kees narrates and we enjoy reading along.

Want to read back his previous experiences? You can do so here:

Sunday 25 May - Rest day in Vicenza

After days in the saddle, it's time for a well-earned rest day in charming Vicenza, a city known for its beautiful architecture by Andrea Palladio. The bike gets a thorough polish, and at Decathlon I purchase a brand new Giro jersey - ready for the next stages! Explored the city by bus, had an espresso on a sunny terrace, and of course followed the Giro stage. We ended the day with a relaxing massage. La dolce vita!

🏛️ Did you know that Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many Palladian villas?

Monday, May 26 - Stage 16: Piazzola sul Brenta - San Valentino

Strava link
A day not soon to be 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 penultimate climb is tough ánd hot. After the finish, we cycle on to the hotel to recover. In the evening, we have a nice dinner at Torbole on Lake Garda. The atmosphere is... unusual, to say the least. The waiters are already not sober, and the chef gets angry after complaints about a cold lasagne. After an awkward situation, the whole group has to leave the restaurant. The next morning is therefore extra enjoyable!

🌊 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 line is almost in sight but the day starts with rain and mushy legs - a combination you won't soon forget. Fortunately, a good time is planned to put on dry clothes at lunch. After that, only the legendary Mortirolo, even from the 'easy' side a beast of a climb.

🏔️ The Passo del Mortirolo is often considered one of the toughest climbs in the pro peloton.

Wednesday, May 28 - Stage 18: Morbegno - Cesano Maderno

In the race, this stage is a real sprinters' stage, but that does not mean it is completely falcon! On the contrary. We are lucky to have beautiful weather, which was also a while ago The route along the Lake Como is breathtakingly beautiful. The lap of Lake Como is perhaps the most beautiful lap you could cycle. All day I cycle with the group, which makes it easier.

🛶 Lake Como is Italy's deepest lake and a favourite holiday destination of celebrities such as George Clooney.

Thursday, May 29 - Stage 19: Biella - Champoluc

What a day! Three climbs of 17 km each, with the middle one being the toughest due to irregular gradients. It was an extra challenging day. Due to gear-shifting problems, I switch to a loaner bike after 25 km. The big disadvantage: this bike has no heart rate monitor or power meter, so riding up is purely by feel. And that actually goes surprisingly well! The views and scenery help a bit, of course, here in the Aosta Valley.

🏞️ Champoluc is located in the Aosta Valley, a region known for its rugged mountains and excellent wines.

Friday, May 30 - Stage 20: Verrès - Sestrière

Today, the iconic Colle delle Finestre on the programme, but unfortunately: the climb is closed due to asphalt works. The Giro is due to pass tomorrow and apparently they have not finished preparing. The Italians are living up to their reputation. After 67 km, I can get back on my own bike with a new derailleur cable. Despite the disappointment of not being able to cycle the Finestre, we still catch 1200 altimeters with a few go-getters. And a well-deserved ice cream before the final climb!

🚵 The Colle delle Finestre is famous for its unpaved hairpin turns and was a key climb in the 2018 Giro.

Saturday, May 31 - Finish in Rome!

We ride more miles than the pros themselves and yet I do a little lap in Rome - including a piece on the historical Via Appia, a must do for connoisseurs of Roman history. After a few photo shoots, I hand in my trusty yellow Cannondale at TopBikeRental. What a feeling to see my wife and daughter again! After 3370 km and 48,500 altimeters, it's over. One more day in Rome and then it's really over.

🏛️ Via Appia is one of Rome's oldest paved roads, once constructed in 312 BC.

Sunday, June 1 - Relax day in Rome

To finish, another relaxing day in the Eternal City. We visit the Giro village at Piazza del Popolo and there they have some nice gadgets. In the afternoon, we watch the pros race around the Colosseum - impressive! We end the day in an atmospheric restaurant, where a pianist plays a beautiful Italian request song. A perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.