Il Giro 2011 starts this Saturday with Live streaming free from Gazzetta dello Sport TV..
Meanwhile if you are a Giro fan, and anyone who rides ought to be;.. if you know the cycling lore of the Giro and the fact that Italy has roots in this Grand tradition for well over 100 years...

I would suggest a must read Maglia Rosa.. by Rouleur's Herbie Sykes...hands down one of the most well written accounts of the Giro..so if riding , plus watching the race isnt enough stop down at Velocipede Cyclery . we are open on Friday, Sat & Sunday for the Giro.. grab a copy as I only have 5 copies in my shoppe..

ci vediamo subito..

Maglia Rosa – Triumph and Tragedy at the Giro d’Italia

Following the publication of much lauded books Le Métier, The Peloton and Volume 4 of the Rouleur Photography Annual, Rouleur Books releases the definitive history of the Giro d’Italia.

The book, Maglia Rosa – Triumph and tragedy at the Giro d’Italia, is the first of its kind in the English language, and is written by Turin resident and regular Rouleur contributor Herbie Sykes.

Over 312 pages, Sykes takes the reader on an inspiring, magical journey. In so doing he evokes 100 years of the race for the maglia rosa, the mythical pink jersey of the race leader. In addition the book contains over 100 stunning photographs, a century of Italy’s great sporting festival captured on film.

The work uncovers the myths and legends of Italy’s very own grand tour, first run off in 1909. Legends like Coppi, Bartali, Merckx, Gimondi and Moser are featured, but so too are the likes of Brunero and Guerra, Valetti and Zilioli, icons of the Giro whose stories have never been told in English.

With the 2011 edition beginning in Turin on May 7th, the book will provide race fans with a veritable feast of history, whilst simultaneously whetting their appetites for the 102nd Corsa Rosa.

Hardback, 312 pages
ISBN 978-0-9564233-5-1

On Sale Now at Velocipede Cyclery
6 Sound Road
Wading River, NY
www.velocipede.cc