Giro d'Italia: The Most Memorable Crashes and Near-Misses
Giro d'Italia is one of the most prestigious and longest-running cycling races in the world. Every year, the race attracts the best cyclists from around the globe to compete in its 21-day, 3,000+ kilometer journey through the mountains and valleys of Italy.
The Giro is also well-known for its challenging and often dangerous routes. Over the years, there have been many crashes and near-misses that have left riders and spectators alike shaken. Here are some of the most memorable:
In 2010, rider Ivan Basso was involved in a horrific crash on the descent of the Passo dello Stelvio. He was going too fast around a corner and lost control, flipping over the guardrail and tumbling down a steep embankment. Miraculously, he escaped with only minor injuries.
In 2014, another rider, Michele Scarponi, was not so lucky. He was leading the race at the time and was involved in a collision with a car that had pulled out onto the road. Scarponi died as a result of his injuries.
In 2017, there was a massive crash on the descent of the Colle dell'Agnello that took out more than half the peloton. Several riders were seriously injured, but fortunately there were no fatalities.
These are just a few of the many crashes and near-misses that have occurred during the Giro d'Italia over the years. With the race set to begin again in just a few days, riders and spectators will be hoping for a safe and incident-free edition.Giro d'Italia is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world and is known for its challenging course. The race has been held annually since 1909 and covers a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers. The race is divided into 21 stages and typically lasts for three weeks.
The Giro d'Italia is renowned for its tough climbs and descents, which often lead to crashes and near-misses. Here are some of the most memorable crashes and near-misses in the history of the race:
In 2010, stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia was held on the iconic Passo dello Stelvio. The stage was marred by a massive crash that involved a number of riders, including race leader Ivan Basso. The crash caused a number of riders to abandon the race.
In 2012, stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia was held on the challenging Monte Zoncolan. The stage was won by Ryder Hesjedal, but it was marred by a horrific crash involving Juan Antonio Flecha. Flecha was involved in a collision with a race motorbike and was sent flying off the road. He fortunately escaped with only minor injuries.
In 2014, stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia was held on the fearsome Montecampione. The stage was won by Nairo Quintana, but it was once again marred by a crash. This time, it was race leader Michael Matthews who came down hard, fracturing his collarbone in the process. He was forced to abandon the race.
These are just a few of the most memorable crashes and near-misses in the history of the Giro d'Italia. The race is always unpredictable and anything can happen. That's what makes it so exciting to watch!In conclusion, the Giro d'Italia is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable races in the world. With its narrow roads and tight corners, the race is full of opportunities for crashes and near-misses. While these incidents can be frustrating for the riders and spectators alike, they are also what make the race so exciting. The Giro d'Italia is a race that is full of surprises, and that is what makes it one of the most memorable races in the world.
