Preview of the 2010 Giro D'Italia Bike Race

The Giro d'Italia, or more simply known, Giro, is one of the premiere races in Europe. This bike race is a grueling trek across the country of Italy. This race has been run every year since 1909 except during the two World Wars (I guess they didn't want to dodge mortars, bullets, and grenades while riding. I think this would have added a little flavor to the race, but that's just me). This fine race is one of the top three street races in the world. It was designed after the Tour de France and was originally intended to boost paper sales just like the Tour. Giro is just as grueling of a race as the tour and will truly test each participants every riding skill. From intense climbs and peaks, to the extreme distance of the ride, each rider will be driven to perform at their peak. With only 22 teams of nine riders, this 198 rider course will feature 15 of the 18 Pro Cup teams as well as seven Professional Continental teams. With the race beginning in Amsterdam and finishing in Verona with individual time trials, this is a very long race that will test even the most devout of cyclists.

One of the strange things about this year's race is the lack of top names. Many of the big names in cycling like Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, and Denis Menchov among others are skipping this year's Giro in lieu of the California tour. This will allow them to be in a better position, in their opinion, to compete in the Tour de France. With over a month between the two races, the Giro may be the best way to prepare for the Tour. Even with the lack of these riders, it is going to be a very interesting Giro this year. Alessandro Ballan looks to be 2010's favorite to win this race though. He is one of the heaviest hitters to fill out the lineup. With a race like this one though, anything can happen, and anyone can win this race.

The majority of the teams to compete in the Giro this year are European teams with a lot of Italians and French in the mix. There is however, one US team in the race. Team HTC - Columbia is running the Giro this year and will be representing us Yankees at the event. They are set to be a formidable team as well. I really see one of the Americans taking this race. With many of the more talented riders continuing to be drawn away from this team, they are constantly restocking with some young and hungry replacements. There is a lot of drive and vigor on these bikes and they stand in a good position to be underestimated and put in position to pounce. This team has been known to produce some world class talent, and this year is no different. If these kids do good enough it is very likely they will be rewarded a much larger contract and higher paying team contract from elsewhere. There is a lot of incentive for these cyclists to perform in the Giro.

Team Milram is a German powerhouse that stands to place quite well in this race. This will be another team to watch. Formerly an Italian team, this group knows the course well and, being from Germany, has been able to train in the exact same conditions as the ones that exist on this trail. Since its transition to a German team, Milram has gone under a very noticeable and intense change. The riders are younger, stronger, and much better than in the past. With a new training facility, all new sponsors, better gear, and a much more vigorous training regimen, Milram will be the team to beat and should perform very well on the hills. The excruciating climbs offered in this route are a normal part of their training and preparation. This is a very tough team to beat and I think they will have more than their fair share of pink jersey days.

All of the teams competing have some outstanding cyclists that are sure to tear up the Italian countryside in this year's Giro. This will be one exciting and challenging race. With it starting on May 8^th and ending on the 30^th, it will be a very big opportunity to some of these younger kids. This will really set the stage for this year's Tour. I strongly believe that a good finish in this race is a much better predictor of the Tour's results this year. Many of the big names are taking it easy in California while these kids are showing that they mean business. The Giro is sure to be an intense race with some clear predictions of the Tour. If anything it will be fun to watch the next generation of cyclists take the torch from the old guys in the Giro.

Sources:

2010 Giro d'Italia Team List

Giro d'Italia Information Site

Giro d'Italia Wikipedia Site