SheSpoke at the Giro d'Italia

by Pip Read, Australian & World Masters Champion Cyclist

Hi everyone. Firstly sorry for not sending this from the Giro in Italy, but it seems every time I was anywhere near web access, I was distracted by the sights and sounds which prevented me from writing!

We spent five weeks away, spending time with family in London; visiting some very typical British Country side; riding the fold up bikes on some lovely country lanes and viewing some very pretty villages. We even stayed in a 15century cottage of a friend of the family. That was an amazing experience.

From Britain we travelled to Amsterdam planning to watch the first three stages of the Giro d Italia. We only watched the first two stages finding it almost impossible to locate the start of the third stage. Every time we asked someone for directions, we were given different locations! In the end went back to our motel and watched it on TV.

Stage one was very interesting with all the hoopla going on around us and trying to spot the Australian riders with a little success. I was very fortunate when Ivan Basso virtually handed me his biddon as he was heading to the start of the TT. The team buses were amazing and I spent quite some time ogling the time trial bikes.

Stage two started from the same spot so we headed in on our bikes and found ourselves a great spot to take some photos, without much danger of being run down. We watched the riders riding away; almost leisurely it seemed, from the start and then the team cars just kept on coming and coming and coming.

Amsterdam is bike heaven as cyclists are everywhere and have right of way. Fran almost fell of her bike as she is not used to being given way to! Bikes are left chained to posts, chained to railing around the canals and some (I'm sure) have not moved for quite some time. Tyres are not only flat but the rubber is even perished. It was all I could do to stop myself from rescuing some and others, that were obviously everyday transport would, if in Australia, be in a museum.

After a short trip to France and Britain, we headed to Italy, then picked up the Motorhome and headed for the hills literally! It was May and there was still snow on the ground. I must admit I not that keen on snow or for that matter ski lifts. At least when we finally arrived at the mountain top finish of the Giro time trial I was very thankful I was not riding on the road surface. Even though the race organisers had treated it I tell you I'm glad I wasn't time trialling on it. The Giro riders displayed some great bike handling skills and were absolutely incredible.

We did see some amazing sights while following the Giro Tour. There are some spectacular places to ride a bike, food to die for and the people were very friendly and easy going. I really loved Italy and with luck will be going back again but undertaking a guided tour, next year.

I have some interesting races coming up which I will let you know about soon.

Keep safe and warm.

Talk soon

Pip