A plastic pass clipped to a pink lanyard. Stampa -- Press, it said, and it was the difference between being just a spectator and an insider of la carovana rosa--the "pink carovan" of the Giro d'Italia. When I hung it around my neck, a dream had came true: I was now a journalist, on assignment for Roadie International magazine. Wearing it was a thrill and an honor. I thought of all the journalists of the Gazzetta whom I'd always admired, who had written of cycling, of Giro champions and their epic feats, and I felt proud and honored to be a part of that tradition, and that I had responsibility to uphold it. I was intrigued by the ways in which that press pass changed the way I approached and viewed the race. One thing for sure: I never want to go back to just spectating!

The press room in Rossano Veneto was in a villa. Journalists and photographers gathered, as they did after every stage, to send articles and photos to newspapers and websites around the globe. It's a very long day.

The medieval castle of Marostica is an impressive backdrop for the stage start.

Marostica's nobles offer samples of one of their city's most famous products.

The Little Prince, who is about to have nightmarish day in the mountains

Beloki on his way to the sign-in

Alberto Ongarato, from nearby Abano Terme, in Padova province

The very cool Danilo looks as if he were born to wear la maglia rosa

another local boy, Lele Sella, El Salbaneo

Bjarne Riis lovingly adjusts Ivan's radio earpiece as he waits patiently, emanating his usual aura of calmness and serenity

Di Luca is irresistable!

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