The Giro D'Washington

[Anonymous]

So it looks like its all set to be confirmed tommorow.

The 2012 Giro will start in america with a prologue, the riders will fly to italy on sunday and have a rest day on monday before resuming racing on tuesday.

Link

Frankly, the most ridiculous thing i have heard, and makes a mockery of the tradition of the race.. Hate the idea. Disgraceful.

edit: just noticed this is in the general news thread.. Ah well, it will probably draw enough discussion to justify a thread.

 

[kurtinsc]

I think it's a dumb idea for the Giro.

BUT...

You can be sure I'm going to drive up to DC to watch it. I don't know if I'll ever get over to Europe to see a grand tour... this might be my only chance.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Personally, I like the idea. It's huge for American cycling and not entirely inappropriate: the Roman constitution and government was a major influence on the US government. If it were in any other city, I wouldn't like it (would still go), but Washington just works. Starting in DC and finishing in Rome is strangely symbolic.

The only other time I could see pros of this caliber is in the Tour of Georgia...oh wait

 

[lostintime]

Fine for American spectators, pure hell on the teams. They're nothing but Meat Popsicles for $$$.

It's a really stupid idea though .... since DC has no connection to Italy. What's next ..... let's start the TDF in New Zealand?

All this reaks of corruption...... so what's new?

 

[soOpOSMthanks!]

Stupid idea is stupid.

 

[Michele]

RCS seems desperetely looking for money.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Fine for American spectators, pure hell on the teams. They're nothing but Meat Popsicles for $$$.

It's a really stupid idea though .... since DC has no connection to Italy. What's next ..... let's start the TDF in New Zealand?

All this reaks of corruption...... so what's new?

Really? No connection to Italy? Have you been to DC? Have you studied the US constitution as it relates to Roman government? Even that article mentions the sculptures on the Arlington memorial bridge, cast in bronze and given by Italians to DC.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

We discussed this before. The only way I see it working is if they have the first 3-4 stages in the US. The last day in the US being a short (100km) morning circuit race. Then a fly day, then a rest day (meaning two days off), and the day after that an afternoon circuit or short flat stage in Italy, before the Giro continues "normally".

It's not very European (and I'd argue the founding fathers were much more influenced by Aristotle and the Greeks, through John Locke), but it's something new and I think worth a try.

 

[theswordsman]

The logistics of the Giro start there will be a massive task. If the current information is correct, the prologue will be the only stage to be held on American soil; the riders, race officials, team staff and journalists will fly out that Saturday evening, land in Italy on Sunday, have a rest day on Monday and then resume one day later.

From the VeloNation article

If they do it, I hope it's for more than just a prologue. You give the riders jet lag both ways, and two long plane rides. The logistics for the mechanics and staff having supplies and equipment on two continents at once seems a nightmare. Do they just bring TT bikes, and leave the road bikes in Italy, or will certain riders come over early to train on the route (good luck with that), and want to have their road bikes along? And go through all of it for ten or twenty minutes of racing?

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

We discussed this before. The only way I see it working is if they have the first 3-4 stages in the US. The last day in the US being a short (100km) morning circuit race. Then a fly day, then a rest day (meaning two days off), and the day after that an afternoon circuit or short flat stage in Italy, before the Giro continues "normally".

It's not very European (and I'd argue the founding fathers were much more influenced by Aristotle and the Greeks, through John Locke), but it's something new and I think worth a try.

Fair point. You could easily make the case that everything is a footnote to the Greeks, but looking at the Senate and Roman constitution, the US does owe a bit of credit to Ancient Rome.

Discussion for another thread though.

 

[lostintime]

Really? No connection to Italy? Have you been to DC? Have you studied the US constitution as it relates to Roman government? Even that article mentions the sculptures on the Arlington memorial bridge, cast in bronze and given by Italians to DC.

So this is the big connection? My little town in Ohio has big connections to Italy too then. I'm sure much of the eastern US does for that matter ...... so lets just have the whole Giro in the USA. LOL

All the statue's and immigrants in the US doesn't make a bad idea any better.

 

[Race Radio]

While I think it is rather crazy logistics I still will be scheduling a "Business Meeting" in DC for early May 2013.

Of course we will have to have a meeting here
http://www.lovethebeer.com/brickskeller.html
The best bar in American.

 

[Anonymous]

While I think it is rather crazy logistics I still will be scheduling a "Business Meeting" in DC for early May 2013.

Of course we will have to have a meeting here
http://www.lovethebeer.com/brickskeller.html
The best bar in American.

why 2013...? You know something that we dont?

 

[Hugh Januss]

While I think it is rather crazy logistics I still will be scheduling a "Business Meeting" in DC for early May 2013.

Of course we will have to have a meeting here
http://www.lovethebeer.com/brickskeller.html
The best bar in American.

Should we make reservations now? That is a fairly impressive beer list, one could die trying to get a reasonable sampling.

 

[Race Radio]

why 2013...? You know something that we dont?

Doh! sorry. I meant 2012.

As bad as it is for the riders it will be plenty of fun. DC is a great town. Easy to get around by bike and lots of good riding. Should be a fun weekend.

 

[TRDean]

Logistical nightmare for the riders no doubt!! But I will definitely be there to see it all!!

 

[**Uru**]

Holding any stages of the Giro in the US is pure stupidity. The idea is worse than the Tour of America that had been proposed a couple of years back. Are they going to start the next year in China, Korea, or Taiwan? At least with those countries, they manufacture the bikes the guys are riding.

 

[ridley]

We discussed this before. The only way I see it working is if they have the first 3-4 stages in the US. The last day in the US being a short (100km) morning circuit race. Then a fly day, then a rest day (meaning two days off), and the day after that an afternoon circuit or short flat stage in Italy, before the Giro continues "normally".

I think Alpe's summary of the events is correct - flying East for 6 hours and then get down to hard racing will be kind of tough. Granted that there will be the logistics to get to the start town, hotel, accomodation etc.

BUT having an event like this for once on US soil, might just garner some new interest into a sport that is very European

 

[sandman]

As much as it does not make sense....


it will be a success and I'll also be there for sure!

Don't see how starting the Tour in London compared to the Giro in DC is any different for the "authenticity" of the race

the logistics...now thats another story; riders are minions and will do as they say as usual

Theyll probably take it easy on the first 2 stages back in Italy or something, they ride bicycles for a living....somehow i dont feel too bad for them

 

[titan_90]

I don't think this is a great idea but since it's my favorite race of the season and since I live six hours from DC I'll be there none the less.

 

[Race Radio]

Should we make reservations now? That is a fairly impressive beer list, one could die trying to get a reasonable sampling.

It is an amazing place. I could see Scott change his username to Scott DC if he ever went.

 

[BroDeal]

Woo hoo. But they should have given the UCI the finger and made the Giro a few days longer than three weeks so they could have days in the U.S.

Good thing there won't be a stage where the Italians get to see the Jersey Shore. That would be embarrassing.

 

[eleven]

While I think it is rather crazy logistics I still will be scheduling a "Business Meeting" in DC for early May 2013.

Of course we will have to have a meeting here
http://www.lovethebeer.com/brickskeller.html
The best bar in American.

I could spend weeks in that bar, never see sunlight and still be content!

at any rate, the idea of a DC prologue is obviously a bit of a logistical nightmare but it's marketing and money genius. I'll be there....

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

You'll find me here

 

[Anonymous]

I think it's a dumb idea for the Giro.

BUT...

You can be sure I'm going to drive up to DC to watch it. I don't know if I'll ever get over to Europe to see a grand tour... this might be my only chance.

+1

You can bet I'll be there.