It was a very exciting day today in Bagni di Lucca. The Giro d’Italia came through town. Even if you have little interest in bicycle racing you couldn’t help being caught up in the fun.
Streets and houses were decorated to welcome the riders.
Regular cyclists were out and about trying the Giro route.
Our little piazza in Ponte a Serraglia was crowded with people looking forward to the big event. Luckily my balcony offered a birds’ eye view of the proceedings.
There were cyclists waiting to see cyclists.
Before the cyclists came through there were lots of official vehicles and pink vans selling Giro merchandise. Jim lined up to buy a lovely pink hat. The reason for pink is that the major sponsor is the Corriere dello Sport, a newspaper printed on pink paper.
Sponsors’ cars came through at speed.
…and the leading bikes appeared.
The crowds were waiting for them.
…and then the main pack of riders sped along the river and through our piazza.
Then the official vehicles sped past and it was all over.
What fun! I’m glad I was here. On Saturday afternoon we will all be back for the Mille Miglia which will come through Bagni di Lucca…it all happens here.
Go to Bella Bagni di Lucca for some photos from Bar Italia.