Friday File: A Fine Italian Autumn



One last hurrah for Ryder Hesjedal.






A special weekend begins with tomorrow's Il Lombardia.


The Race of the falling leaves is the last WorldTour race and final Monument of the season. With the number of WorldTour teams dwindling to 17 next year, crucial yet are the points on offer between teams and riders. The course changes every year but it always stays the same; long (241km) and a climbing challenge with seven summits (total: 4,400 metres).


To me this great race symbolizes the end of the cycling season; the final Italian classic hurrah as the colors change and a new king will be crowned.










Jo De Roo, 1963




Bernard Hinault, 1979.




Purito Rodriguez, 2012






Another special Italian race takes off Sunday...


L'eroica: where old is new. 




What better way for all cyclists to enjoy the gravel Tuscan roads on pre-1987 bikes, wearing wool jerseys and fueled with Italian food and wine? I know no other way. I haven't done this but have secretly fantasize for it...







Comments

I just got back from L'Eroica; it is the 2nd time I went there. It is a must do event for anyone who has a passion for vintage bikes and gravel roads. There are sister events around the world, but for the full experience, one must go to to Gaiole in Chianti for the original.