When the Giro route was announced it looked crazy, at times brutal and many commentators said 'it is made for Lance'. I never bought into that as I know the Italians are smart in getting Armstrong there (for an estimated 2 million Euro fee!), but at the end of the day if an Italian is in pink come Rome the organisers will have done a good job.
It feels like this week has been the LPR and Columbia Highroad show. Although they haven't won everything, when they have won it has shown a passion and respect for the race. The much expected dominance of Teams like Astana and Liquigas have as yet to materialise.
© Tim De Waele
More media have been there than ever, which for the Race organiser is great and as TV Tifosi we gain the benefit of all the extra coverage. I am loving it, and listening to Harmon and Kelly on Eurosport so are they.
As a place I love Italy. It has some of finest food, wine and the scenery is one of natures greatest playgrounds. Not only are we exposed to great views throughout the Giro but other races (that get the coverage) like the L'eroica, Lombardia, MSR and Tirreno-Adriatico all stand as showcases for the Italian tourist board. But I digress.
Chris Horner, man of the Giro so far: © the road diaries
So end of week one, it has been great so far and has lacked nothing from a racing front at all. Does the end of the first week give an indication of who will win the overall, as yet no. But if Lance wins it'll go down as a comeback as big as Elvis in the '68 special. Roll on week two.
