Giro d'Italia in Spilimbergo

Today's Giro stage to Grossglockner started in Spilimbergo, a town about 20 miles east of here.  So I rode down the plain, and followed the signs to the staging area.  There were team buses, team cars covered with spare bikes and wheels, etc.  I tried to get pictures of most of the teams' bikes- a few didn't turn out.  The riders emerged from their buses and were handed bikes.  They rode them up and down the shady street to warm up.  The only impression I remember was the Radobank riders- they're very big.

Then I walked into the narrow cobbled section of the centro where the riders were preparing to start.  I found a spot along the street near the gate with clock tower and waited for the start.  Everyone was laughing and having a good time.  Finally dozens of motorcycle police from Italy and Austria came roaring through, followed by race directors' cars and finally the racers.  I got a few pictures.  After the team cars, the ambulances, the alpine rescue squad, finally the Fine di Gara car passes and everyone swarms into the streets.  I hopped on my bike, headed home, and watched the racers in Austria on RAI 3.  

Kuota KOM of AG2R La Mondiale

Radobank Giant

Farnese Vini Cipollini Italian National Champion bike

Garmin Cervelo

Astana Specialized S- Works

Sky Pinarello

Bianche Oltre di Androni Giocattoli

Colnago CSF

Lampre Wilier

Movistar Pinarello Dogma

Liquigas Cannondale

Acqua e Sapone Bottecchia

Quick Step Merckx

BMC Impact

Radioshack Trek

Vacansoleil Ridley

Saxo Bank Specialized S-Works

Katusha Focus

Omega Pharma Lotto rider

Acqua e Sapone racer

Katusha team member