Hailed as one of the most nail biting finales of a Grand Tour, the third week of the 100th edition of the Giro d’Italia absolutely nailed it for couch entertainment. Going into the last day with only 53 seconds separating the top four GC contenders it was one of the closest final stages ever recorded. After a week of slogging it out in stage after stage of crippling mountain passes, the curtain finally falls on this Italian theatre.

For some winning a stage of Italy’s finest race all becomes a bit too much, as it was for Pierre Rolland, clinching Cannondale Drapac’s first Grand Tour win in two years.

There’s always time to take the weight off your feet when waiting for the World’s finest to pedal past.

Partying in pink is always fun, whichever outfit you choose to wear! The Giro may not be as big as the Tour de France, but like France it’s their time to shine. No matter where you’re from, everyone is welcome to a place roadside to watch this circus pass by.

Day after day the mountains ravaged the peloton. Time was taken, spirits were broken, some were downright infuriated at the attrition they were subjected to, but Milan was beckoning.

There is likely not one person who doesn’t believe that the best man won the 100th edition of the Giro d’Italia. Tom Dumoulin fought with every sinew in his possession to claim victory to the Maglia Rosa. As first Dutchman to win the Giro d’Italia he will be remembered for many things from the 2017 edition; but mainly that he never gave up, someone willing to give everything right until the bitter end. Saluti Tom! Saluti Italia!


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Words: Photos: Russ Ellis, Cadence Images