Thanks to the 2018 introduction of the Giro-E biking event, a golden ticket is all that’s required to live out your wildest cycling dreams. Giro-E, the only stage event in existence reserved exclusively for pedal-assisted e-bikes, is the brainchild of RCS Sports, the same organizer of the Giro d’Italia. The event comprises 18 stages ranging from 70 to 115 kilometres daily, along the same route, and during the same time the Giro d’Italia takes place. Best of all, it’s open to riders of all levels—from amateur cyclists to self-proclaimed pros; there’s a route and region perfect for everyone.

Veteran Trip Designer Georgia Yuill, our go-to expert for the Dolomites, had the chance to experience the Giro-E’s third official year in 2020, scoping out the circuit for future guiding endeavours. For Georgia, dropping into the Giro-E was like dropping into the Olympics and being allowed to run around the track ahead of the sprinters who are competing.

“For the amateur, it’s like stepping into the big game and being part of that,” Georgia said. “The Giro d’Italia is one of our annual major sporting events that people tune into even though they’re not cycling, like the World Series or the Superbowl. It’s an emotional event for Italians and the sport is growing everywhere around the world.”

The (Bike) Path to Glory

The Giro-E’s 2020 regional sectionals comprised of six slots, with each slot passing through Italy’s bounty of contrasting landscapes:

•  Slot 1 Sicily Region
•  Slot 2 Calabria and Apulia Regions
•  Slot 3 Abruzzo, Marche, Emilia Romagna Regions, San Marino
•  Slot 4 Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regions
•  Slot 5 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, Lombardy Regions
•  Slot 6 Lombardy, Piedmont Regions

Georgia was designated Slot 1. 

“As the Giro-E, we’re advancing all of the professionals. We don’t start at the same point; we start further into the route,” she said. “By the time we finish our route at our pace, the Giro d’Italia racers come through and will cover the same final distance that we did.”

An E-Bike Boost

Georgia’s captain was Max Lelli, an ex-pro racer who lead the ENIT team to the most victories. Moreno Moser, also an ex-pro racer, was great support for her along the routes as he shared a wealth of technical racing tips.

“You’re riding with people who are very accomplished and captains who want you to be successful,” she said. “I certainly came off learning so much about cycling and the world that surrounds it. They’re very passionate, and you just get taken into the professional side of the event.”

Although the circuit comprises steep ascents up rolling hills, up the mountainous Dolomites and even up Sicily’s active Mount Etna volcano, the boost from the e-bikes provides riders with as little or as much assistance needed—you don’t have to be an elite athlete to race alongside one.

“Cycling up Mount Etna in Sicily was phenomenal. The Giro d’Italia racers were getting closer and closer….we had to get off the road so it wouldn’t conflict with their speed! We were moving at an accelerated speed the entire time, so going uphill is much faster,” she said. “One of the great benefits is that the road has been cleared for you. There’s a sensation that you can really allow yourself to go at maximum speed.”

This year’s Giro-E concludes at the end of May, but there are high hopes for those wishing to live out their Olympic dreams in the future.

“Every year comprises a different route, and so once we hear where the Giro d’Italia is racing, we can design our own B&R trip to move in parallel with it,” she said. “Dolomites stages are always some of the most exciting aspects of the Giro. We could design a pre-event experience on classic Dolomites routes, following which travellers participate in some stages of the Giro-E.”

Feeling inspired to take part in the world’s toughest race in the most beautiful place? Get in touch with Georgia to see how she can craft your adventure of a lifetime in Italy.