You'd think that in a region where there's so much interest in cycling, there would be many pro races, but unfortunately that's not the case. Before the world championships were moved to October, the Trittico Veneto (a three race series), followed by the Giro del Veneto (a one day race), were used as national team selection races. It was a real holiday for cycling fans; we were treated to seeing the pros race for four days in many of the areas and on the small country roads that are dear to the hearts of all Veneto cyclists. The series continued even after the world's schedule change, but then sponsorship money dwindled and in 1996 the Trittico became a "Bittico"--just two races, and in 1997 there were no races at all, not even the Giro del Veneto. Fortunately the latter race returned in 1998, but the Trittico Veneto is just a fond memory.

Past winners of the Giro del Veneto include Girandengo, Binda, Magni, Coppi (3 times), De Vlaeminck, Saronni, Moser, Argentin, De Luca, Bartoli, Rebellin (3 times), Simoni, and Pozzato.

After three years of finishing in Thiene (Vicenza province), the Giro del Veneto returned to tradition in 2008, much to the delight of Paduan cyclists and fans. The race departed from the piazza in front of Saint Anthony's Basilica, went through the Euganean Hills, and finished in Prato della Valle, a large piazza in the center of Padua. In 2010 it started in Padova and finished in Castelfranco Veneto (not a particularly scenic, interesting, or challenging course). The Giro del Veneto is was not held in 2011 because the organizers did not have the funds to put on a top-notch event. They vow that it will return in 2012.

Before the start, you're free to walk among the ammiraglie (team cars) and take photos of your favorite riders, collect autographs, and enjoy the atmosphere. I'll always remember the 2005 edition, when a sudden fierce thunderstorm sent the fans on the Ca'Vecchia climb (above Zugliano) running for cover. I huddled under a little roof with some fellow cyclists, while lightning flashed and struck nearby, thunder boomed, rain fell in buckets, and the wind turned umbrellas inside out and sent vendors' wares scattering. The temperatures dropped and fortunately I'd brought along warm clothes and rain gear; some cyclist spectators didn't even have jackets. After the race, as I was riding back down, some guys at a food stand called out to me, offering me a salami sandwich and a glass of wine. They said I was the only woman who had ridden all the way to the top of the climb. Two years later they remembered me, and gave me TWO sandwiches and a FEW cups of wine! Luckily I made it down in one piece! I missed the 2008 edition due to a broken ankle. In 2009 I watched the race on the Castelnovo climb in the Colli Euganei, in the company of my friends Dario, Bill, and David.

A new stage race, the Giro di Padania, will be run for the second time in 2012.

PRO MEN'S & WOMEN'S RACES IN THE TRI-VENETO - 2012

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