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.

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 departs from the piazza in front of Saint Anthony's Basilica, and finishes in Prato della Valle. The final, decisive kilometers are in the Euganean Hills, where riders do the tough little Boccon, Roccolo, and Turri climbs in the Euganean Hills (click here to see the route and climbs). It's a beautiful course run on many picturesque little roads that we all love to ride.

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.

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

PRO MEN'S & WOMEN'S RACES IN THE TRI-VENETO - 2010

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