For over a week the anticipation had been building inside of me to be able to see the riders speed by me here in Livorno, Italy for Giro d’Italia! This was an event that has been anticipated and most people have been excited about as cycling is a very popular sport here in Italy.
Giro d’Italia is a 21-day race (or stages) in May & June that happens before the Tour de France in July. The very first Giro d’Italia took place in 1909 and was won by a rider named Luigi Ganna. The race has only been suspended two times for World Wars I and II. Note, back in 1909 when rider Luigi Ganna won this race there were only 8 stages & now in 2011 there are 21 stages. What a difference several decades can make! Yes, an American has won the Giro d’Italia & it was NOT Lance Armstrong. The racer was Andrew Hampsten & he won it in 1988.
It was May 5th 2011 the Third Stage and a normal race day. The day before the riders were to arrive in Livorno when Shock & Tragedy struck Giro d’Italia! Rider Wouter Weylandt of Belgian died from falling and crashing in Passo del Bocco in Genova. He was only 26 years old. Last year in 2010 Weylandt won the Third Stage of the Giro d’Italia.
In respect for Wouter Weylandt & his family the riders started like normal as they have in the past but for the Fourth Stage there was no race. The riders rode at a much slower pace and together in unity. Starting together and finishing together!
I was at the finish line and I watched the riders cross together, somber faces and some with tears streaming from their eyes.
Giro d’Italia takes place once a year; it is an event that these riders train for with passion & determination. One rider lost his life doing what he loved, living his passion, and living in his moment. He will always be remembered for being a spirit of life & championship! Living his tomorrow … TODAY!
RIP Wouter Weylandt.
Photos of the Day & Riders SEE: Livorno TODAY
Giro d’Italia is a 21-day race (or stages) in May & June that happens before the Tour de France in July. The very first Giro d’Italia took place in 1909 and was won by a rider named Luigi Ganna. The race has only been suspended two times for World Wars I and II. Note, back in 1909 when rider Luigi Ganna won this race there were only 8 stages & now in 2011 there are 21 stages. What a difference several decades can make! Yes, an American has won the Giro d’Italia & it was NOT Lance Armstrong. The racer was Andrew Hampsten & he won it in 1988.
It was May 5th 2011 the Third Stage and a normal race day. The day before the riders were to arrive in Livorno when Shock & Tragedy struck Giro d’Italia! Rider Wouter Weylandt of Belgian died from falling and crashing in Passo del Bocco in Genova. He was only 26 years old. Last year in 2010 Weylandt won the Third Stage of the Giro d’Italia.
In respect for Wouter Weylandt & his family the riders started like normal as they have in the past but for the Fourth Stage there was no race. The riders rode at a much slower pace and together in unity. Starting together and finishing together!
I was at the finish line and I watched the riders cross together, somber faces and some with tears streaming from their eyes.
Giro d’Italia takes place once a year; it is an event that these riders train for with passion & determination. One rider lost his life doing what he loved, living his passion, and living in his moment. He will always be remembered for being a spirit of life & championship! Living his tomorrow … TODAY!
RIP Wouter Weylandt.
Photos of the Day & Riders SEE: Livorno TODAY
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