The Giro d'Italia rolls around again in all it's quad-busting glory, surely one of the most exciting, picturesque and elegant events in sport…

The Giro (May 9th-31st) is a striking, torturous but beautiful sporting jamboree that first hit the road in 1909, inspired by the raging success of the Tour de France. Along with the French competition and the World Cycling Championship, the Giro sets off the Triple Crown of Cycling. Only two cyclists have ever won the crown, Eddie Merckx (1974) and Stephen Roche (1987)… a accomplishment almost impossible to imagine today.

Setting off in Venice and screeching to a halt in Rome, in its centenary year The Giro will clock up a leg noodling 2147 miles over 21 arduous stages. Favourites to dominate the notoriously punishing route are the American Levi Leipheimer and the Italian veteran (and 2006 winner) Ivan Basso.

Unlike the Tour De France, the stage winners of the Giro get to wear the famous pink jersey (maglia rosa)… a rather fetching hue inspired by the sponsors (the pink inked La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Of course, this year much attention will be drawn to Lance Armstrong, still in the early stages of his remarkable comeback from retirement. 2nd placed at the recent Tour of Gila (Mexico), Armstrong has played down his chances of winning the competition (having never won it before) but expects he may win a few stages along the way. Don't be surprised if this supreme athlete pulls of a shock victory.
 
One great thing about the Giro is the chance for keen cyclists to plot out routes of their own

along the gorgeous Italian countryside.

This year, after attacking the alps, it snakes along the coast, through Tuscany and wending down as far as Naples before sharply cutting back to Rome. To cover that distance, with that scenery, stopping off at some of the most underrated cities and towns in Europe (Bologna, Arenzano, Avellino) is every pedal pusher's dream. 

And keep an eye out for the latest Giro fashion, bikes and streamlined cyclewear… no doubt these state-of-the-art gear and accessories will hit the shops next summer. But if you can't wait till then, here's a very swish fashion range inspired by the Giro itself… enjoy.

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