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C ycling provides an indescriba- ble sense of freedom of move- ment while enabling the ex- ploration of nature. The humble cycle has evolved over the centuries from a simple means of transport to become a true vehicle of art that combines sport, recreation and sus- tainability. In this era of lightning-fast lifestyles, cycling provides an opportu- nity to slow down, reconnect with na- ture and feel independent. Apart from that, cycling is also an extremely effective physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. And the event at the heart of it all is the Giro d'Italia, one of the world’s three biggest bike races, which is tradi- tionally held in May and brings together routes where history, top sport and the philosophy of “slow travel” intertwine IT’S TIME FOR CYCLING Around Italy on two wheels With the arrival of the first warmer days, the roads of Europe transform into a dynamic network of cycling
the world cycling elite.
tional ride around the Spanish city of Va- lencia brings together thousands of par- ticipants, who traverse Mediterranean landscapes, various coastal areas and gen- tle mountain climbs. Gran Fondo culture has been expanding in recent years, large- ly because it blurs the line between pro- fessional and amateur sports, enabling everyone to feel like they’re part of the atmosphere of major races. Still, in order to understand the ap- peal of cycling today, it is necessary to go back to its beginnings. From the first two-wheelers of the 19 th century to the organised races of the early 20 th century, cycling has always combined technology, adventure and freedom of movement. It is this universality that has made it one of the world’s most accessible sports. That spirit can today be felt most clearly in cities that have turned cycling into a way of life. Amsterdam and Co- penhagen are considered the world’s ur- ban riding capitals, while Barcelona and Milan offer a fusion of cycling and style. And all of these destinations can be reached easily aboard Air Serbia flights, which makes cycling an ideal reason to travel – whether you’re going to watch a race or embark on a personal adventure on two wheels. That’s why May is the right month to mount your bike and experience new ad- ventures. Or at least take in the fantas- tic landscapes passed by riders in the Gi- ro d'Italia...
First held in 1909, as Italy’s answer to the Tour de France (held in July), the Giro has since grown to become a symbol of endurance and national pride. Recog- nisable thanks to the Maglia Rosa (pink jersey) that’s worn by the overall race leader, the Giro has built a reputation over the decades as cycling’s most poet- ic Grand Tour event, but also the most unpredictable. Its routes aren’t merely a sporting challenge, but also postcards of Italy: from alpine passes like the Stelvio and Dolomites, via the lakeview land- scapes of Lombardy, to historic cities like Florence or Verona. Each stage brings a new story – sprints over the plains, technically demanding descents or epic mountain duels that often prove decisive. The race runs over three weeks, with only two rest days, and covers more than 3,000 kilometres, which make it one of the world’s most physically de- manding sporting events. It is this com- bination of brutal endurance and stun- ning visual beauty that makes the Giro unique. While cyclists take on gruelling hill climbs, viewers watching around the world are taken on a tour of Italy from the comfort of their armchairs or, better yet, as roadside spectators. In parallel with the professional spec- tacle, May also brings the increasing- ly popular Gran Fondo (Big Ride) events, the standout event among which is the Gran Fondo Valencia. This mass recrea-
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