Discover the Fascinating Year by Year History of the Tour of Italy Volume

The Tour of Italy, also known as Giro d'Italia, is one of the most prestigious and challenging bicycle races in the world. Every year, professional cyclists from all over the globe gather in Italy to compete in this thrilling event. The Tour of Italy Volume encapsulates the rich history of this iconic race, documenting its evolution year by year. In this article, we will take you on an engaging journey through the captivating past of the Tour of Italy.

1899: The Inception

The year of 1899 marked the birth of the Tour of Italy. It all started with a vision to create a race that would rival the Tour de France in France. The inaugural Giro d'Italia consisted of just eight stages, covering a total distance of 2,448 kilometers. Luigi Ganna emerged as the first-ever winner of the race, etching his name in the history books.

Early 1900s: Triumphs and Challenges

In the early 1900s, the Tour of Italy faced numerous challenges, including interruptions due to World War I. However, it continued to grow in popularity and became a prominent event in the world of cycling. Cyclists like Costante Girardengo and Alfredo Binda dominated the race during this period, earning multiple victories and solidifying their legacies.

The Story of the Giro d'Italia: A Year-by-Year History of the Tour of Italy, Volume 2: 1971-2011

by Bill McGann (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1472 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	315 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

1931-1939: The Golden Era

The 1930s witnessed the rise of one of the greatest cyclists in the history of the Tour of Italy – Gino Bartali. Bartali secured victory in three editions of the race, and his fierce rivalry with fellow Italian rider, Fausto Coppi, captivated audiences around the world. Their battles for supremacy added a new level of excitement to the Tour of Italy.

1950s: International Recognition

The Tour of Italy gained international recognition in the 1950s, attracting more and more foreign cyclists to participate. Legendary riders such as Hugo Koblet from Switzerland and Charly Gaul from Luxembourg left their mark on the history of the race. The 1956 edition witnessed the iconic climb of the Stelvio Pass, an awe-inspiring moment that showcased the true essence of the Tour of Italy.

1970s: Unforgettable Moments

The 1970s brought about some unforgettable moments in the Tour of Italy. It was during this era that the notorious Tosa climb was introduced, testing cyclists' endurance like never before. The 1974 edition witnessed the iconic duel between Eddy Merckx and Felice Gimondi, two cycling legends. Their battle on the slopes of Monte Campione remains etched in the memory of cycling enthusiasts.

1990s: Modernization and Innovation

The 1990s marked a period of modernization and innovation for the Tour of Italy. The race organizers introduced new technologies, improved safety measures, and enhanced the overall spectator experience. This decade witnessed the emergence of Italian cycling superstar, Marco Pantani, whose climb up the Mortirolo Pass in the 1994 edition is still considered one of the greatest moments in the history of the race.

2000s: New Challenges and Triumphs

The new millennium brought new challenges and triumphs for the Tour of Italy. The race saw the rise of foreign riders, such as Ivan Basso from Italy and Alberto Contador from Spain, who brought a fresh wave of competition to the event. The 2009 edition witnessed a thrilling finale, with Denis Menchov emerging victorious after a heated battle with Danilo Di Luca.

2010s: The Era of Domination

The 2010s were marked by the era of domination by Team Sky, later renamed Team INEOS. British riders such as Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome showcased their unparalleled talent and clinched several victories during this period. The rivalry between Froome and Italian cyclist Vincenzo Nibali added an extra layer of excitement to the Tour of Italy.

The Tour of Italy Volume encapsulates the rich and mesmerizing history of the race, allowing enthusiasts to relive the magic of each edition. From its humble beginnings in 1899 to becoming one of the most prestigious cycling events in the world, the Tour of Italy has transcended time and left an indelible mark on the sporting world. Its year by year progression has witnessed epic battles, feats of endurance, and the rise of cycling superstars. So, delve into the captivating story of the Tour of Italy Volume and experience the thrill of this iconic race like never before.

The Story of the Giro d'Italia: A Year-by-Year History of the Tour of Italy, Volume 2: 1971-2011

by Bill McGann (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1472 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	315 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Giro d’Italia is one of the world’s most important and popular bicycle races, yet there is almost no information in English about this magical Italian race’s rich past. With “The Story of the Giro d’Italia”, the fabulous history of Italy’s national tour is at last available. Volume One took the story of the Giro from its origin as a desperate promotional gamble by a nearly broke newspaper to Eddy Merckx’s convincing 1970 victory.

Volume Two describes the growth of the Giro into a modern, vital international race that is followed by cycling fans all over the world. Along the way, the stories and races that have excited the public over the last forty years are told, including the Francesco Moser/Giuseppe Saronni rivalry, the tragic tale of Marco Pantani and the Alberto Contador affair that left the Spaniard stripped of his 2011 Giro championship.

About the Authors
Bill and Carol McGann have had their lives inextricably tied up with bicycles about as long as they can remember. Their first date was a bike ride. Bill, formerly a Category 1 racer, has been a contributor to several cycling magazines and is widely acknowledged as an expert on road bikes and cycling history. Since his father gave him a small 1-speed English lightweight bicycle when he was 5 years old, Bill has been in love with everything about bikes. Carol, a former college biology instructor is also an accomplished rider, having cycle-toured extensively. The McGanns have owned several bicycle shops, and started Torelli Imports, a distributor of high-performance cycle equipment. Today they own McGann Publishing, LLC, publishing and writing books about cycling history.