Only three Giro d'Italias in the last ten years have been run at an average speed above 40 km/h: the two won by Nibali (2013-2016) and the one won by Froome (2018). The third, just to offer some data, was 3.546 kilometers long with a 44.000 meter difference in altitude.The last one, 3.489 kilometers long, had an altitude difference of 51.400 meters: 57 kilometers less, but 7.400 meters more in altitude differenceEven if we don't want to consider the bad weather and the cold as mitigating factors for some not exactly exciting stages, it is worth noting that despite appearances, the Tour of Italy just won by Roglic It was very tough: with the highest difference in altitude since the monstrous one in 2011 (52.390 metres!).
Three Peaks at 6,5 watts/kilo
We talked about boredom and sometimes we even touched it. We talked about reduce mileageSomeone suggested including special tests within the stages. For two weeks all sorts of things were said, demonstrating that not understanding what was happening and what would happen in the third week.
The plot of the 2023 Giro followed that of 2022 (3.445 kilometres for 50.580 metres of altitude difference), with the race decided in the last time trial at the head of very close duels in the third week, which did not change the situation from the substantial draw between the top three in the standings. But if as Caruso says Thomas's teammates were pulling at 6,5 watts/kilo on the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, how could anyone be expected to attack?
The taste of boredom
Cycling has accelerated after Covid. Many have warned against taking the performances of a few champions as a model, but this is exactly what happened.
Social media and the arrival of new fans have made an impression a sneaky and harmful acceleration, which has also affected those who should provide information based on reasoning and competence. It was preferred to go along with the chorus of accusations, without taking into due consideration the fact that for 14 stages the group raced in the rain and in freezing temperatures. Furthermore, the withdrawal of evenepoel he gave us a glimpse of the possibility of fighting for the victory and at that point we gathered our energies for a third very tough week.
The ability to get bored is a skill to work on, You can get out of boredom with reasoningThe inability to wait is one of the evils of our time, but not specifically in cycling.
We are willing to bet that the exits of some riders were the reaction to the chorus of boos that hit them every day from the web, while people on the streets – probably witnessing the same conditions – he always continued to applaud them.
A Heartfelt Tour
It was a great Giro, with four Italian victories. The logistics of the last few days have been challenging: the journey from the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Tarvisio and then from Mount Lussari In Rome, it forced everyone into three days of intense racing. However, the spectacle of the crowds on the climbs of the Veneto, the final challenge on the road to the Friulian sanctuary, and the conclusion in Rome were the best spot for a sport and a country that has unimaginable resources in tourismParis was beautiful, but the Giro finale in Rome outclassed the classic Tour finale.
Roglic won with his legs and his heart. For the same reason he deserved it. Thomas, who in the name of friendship, has propitiated Cavendish's victory: this is cycling. And if no one has explained it to you, we'll try to do so with our testimony. We won't always be right or always agree, but we certainly won't refuse to engage in discussion. As we were saying yesterday with Roberto Damiani at the start of the last stage, It's right to ride the wave of the new, but also to remember what a great history we have behind us.
The god of football
The 106th Giro d'Italia has finished. He almost hit the Romagna tragedy, which we experienced in a very small part through the eyes of our friends from Romagna in the group. And he received in turn President Mattarella's visit, the only Italian politician with a true sporting culture and not just football.
We'll keep talking about this for a while, but the next challenges are already being announced. The Under 23 Tour, the Dauphiné and the Swiss on the road to the Tour and the national championships. We close this editorial with our eyes the image of Roglic overlooking the Imperial ForumsWe'll try to keep it as long as possible, even though elsewhere the god of football – under investigation and in debt – has already swallowed it up.
