The Giro visits Peschici:
The Giro has only been here in 2000 when Danilo
Di Luca got his first taste of Giro glory. So there
is at least one guy that has a positive memory of
the place.
May 16th in the Giro:
A string is broken...
2005 16 May Florence-Ravenna, Alessandro Petacchi ITA
2004 16 May Giffoni-Valle Piana Policoro, Alessandro Petacchi ITA
2003 16 May Maddaloni-Avezzano, Alessandro Petacchi ITA
In 1913 an unknown Constante Girardengo took his
first stage of the Giro in Campobasso. He was getting
an early start as the second youngest stage winner
ever. This gave him time to rack up impressive numbers
including 30 total stage wins, the last in 1926. But
he really hit his stride in the Giros of 1919 and 1923.
He won both years taking 7 of 10 stages in 1919, and
an astounding 8 of 10 in 1923.
Gino Bartali was one of the greats, and he won the
Terminillo TT in 1937 on his way to the overall victory
that year.
Rik Van Looy took four stages of the 1959 Giro including
the first, on this date at Salsomaggiore Terme.
Saronni had reason to enjoy racing on the 16th. He won
in 1980 (Torino), 1981 (Rescanati), and 1983 (Todi).
In 1982 the stage was a TT and Saronni was forced to
yield to stage winner Bernard Hinault.
People don't think of Greg Lemond when they think of
the Giro, but he won in 1986 in Cosenza on his way to
4th overall.
Toni Rominger never won the Tour, but he had success
in the Giro. Including a win on this date in 1995, in
Loreto. He was the boss of the Giro that year, that was
for sure.