As the riders departed Marostica and went off to climb the Rosina before heading up the Brenta River valley, photographer Mitch Friedman and I sped off, intending to get there ahead of them. So imagine my surprise when we somehow found ourselves between the race-leading motorcycle cops and lead car! The policemen parted and let us through. This was going to be fun! After maneuvering around, and going through, roadblocks, we took a shortcut and knew we'd come out well ahead of the riders...until we emerged from the Arsiè tunnel and saw a very long line of vehicles ahead, stopped to let the race pass. No problem! We whizzed past hundreds of cars and trucks and arrived in nearby Fonsazo, where the InterGiro points sprint would take place. I wanted to interview residents of this small town, as the focus of my article was what the Giro meant to all the people along its route.

The entire town turned out to give a warm welcome to the race carovan...including us! Everyone was happy to share their Giro thoughts, emotions, and memories.

After the race had passed, we headed for the stage finish in Palafavera, a ski area in the Zoldo Valley. On the way, we once again crossed paths with the race asthe riders sped through Agordo to their rendezvous with Passo Duran.

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