Second only to the Tour de France in terms of prestige, the Tour of Italy was first contested in 1909. Its spring date, this year running from May 6-28, means it annually faces the most diverse and challenging weather of any of the Grand Tours. The 2023 route will cover just under 3500 kilometers, beginning in Ortona and finishing in Roma while climbing over 51,000 meters.
On the women’s side, the Giro d’Italia Femminile (previously called the Giro Donne or the Giro Rosa [from 2013-2020]) began in 1988. Widely considered the most prestigious stage race in the world for women — unlike the women’s Tour de France it has happened annually since inception barring one interruption in 1991-92 — is scheduled for June 30 to July 9 this year. Complete details are not yet available, but it is safe to assume the total distance over ten days will be around 1,000 kilometers.
The titanic clash between Giro favorites Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel in Spain’s Volta Catalunya gives every indication that this year’s Men’s edition will be spectacular! Now test your knowledge on the Men’s and Women’s Italian Grand Tour…
Q1. Belgian Remco Evenepoel enters the Giro as a favorite and happens to wear the rainbow bands of reigning World Champion. When was the last Giro victory by a reigning World Champion?
Q2. Staying with Evenepoel, who was the last Belgian to win the Giro? HINT: It is not who you probably think it is!
Q3. The history of the Men’s Giro d’Italia is largely one of Italian riders with 69 wins for the home country from 44 different riders. Belgium is a very distant second with 7 wins from 3 riders. However, Italian cycling has been in a slump recently. When was the last time the Giro had a home winner?
Q4. The women’s Giro has not been a largely Italian affair with the host nation second with 8 wins. Which country has found the most success in The Giro Donna? BONUS: How does the US rank?
Q5. Who is the all-time winningest rider at the Giro Donne? Hint: She is not Dutch!
Q6. American fans are quite familiar with the stories of Andy Hampsten’s epic win in 1988. It remains the only Giro victory by an American. Excepting that result, however, Americans have been on the podium three additional times in the Pink Race. Can you name those three riders?
Q7. The two main favorite for this year’s Giro, Evenepoel and Slovenian Primoz Roglic are both fast finishers and likely to win several stages each, making them threats for the points competition as well as the GC. Who was the last rider to win both the points (Cyclamen jersey) and the Maglia Rosa?
For the Answers, click on the next page (2) button below!
