Of course, when we returned to the US it was hard to follow along. But then came Lance and everything changed. Cycling was televised, if often at odd hours on obscure channels. And with the explosion of the internet it became even easier to follow, as one could watch streaming video of races early on a West Coast morning, audio often in Italian or French, while following fans chatting online. I was lucky in the fact that my coworker at the desk next to me is also a fan and we have conversations about pelotons and echelons and breaks while others listen to us and wonder what we could be talking about. In recent years we have even had the opportunity to see some of our favorites on American soil as the Tour of California has brought the pro tour riders to my city or at least one near by. It still amazes me how close fans can get to the cyclists, how even well meaning folks like myself can almost be run over by Mark Cavendish while attempting to photograph George Hincapie. Or how one can get incredibly clear and up close shots of Thor or Fabian or Basso while the majority swarm in an attempt to see Lance or Levi.
So this year, in the spirit of our ABC wine challenge, I have decided to do both a Giro and Tour de France food and wine challenge. Food and wine combined because I am fairly confident that just wine would be against doctor's orders. Like everything this year though, I've left it to the last minute. So I am asking for advice on wines or foods to coincide with each Giro stage. I'll post the list below. All suggestions appreciated in comments. Thanks!
Confession for opening weekend, I'm cheating and eating Gouda. Honestly Amsterdam does not really make me think of wine.
| Date | Location | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | May 8 | Amsterdam - Amsterdam (ITT) | ||||
| Stage 2 | May 9 | Amsterdam - Utrecht | ||||
| Stage 3 | May 10 | Amsterdam - Middelburg | ||||
| Rest day | May 11 | Savigliano | ||||
| Stage 4 | May 12 | Savigliano - Cuneo (TTT) | ||||
| Stage 5 | May 13 | Novara - Novi Ligure | ||||
| Stage 6 | May 14 | Fidenza - Marina di Carrara | ||||
| Stage 7 | May 15 | Carrara - Montalcino | ||||
| Stage 8 | May 16 | Chianciano - Monte Terminillo | ||||
| Stage 9 | May 17 | Frosinone - Cava de' Tirreni | ||||
| Stage 10 | May 18 | Avellino - Bitonto | ||||
| Stage 11 | May 19 | Lucera - L'Aquila | ||||
| Stage 12 | May 20 | Città Sant'Angelo - Porto Recanti | ||||
| Stage 13 | May 21 | Porto Recanti - Cesenatico | ||||
| Stage 14 | May 22 | Ferrara - Asolo (Monte Grappa) | ||||
| Stage 15 | May 23 | Mestre - Zoncolan | ||||
| Rest day | May 24 | Friuli | ||||
| Stage 16 | May 25 | San Vigilio di Marebbe - Plan de Corones (TT) | ||||
| Stage 17 | May 26 | Brunico - Pejo Terme | ||||
| Stage 18 | May 27 | Levico Terme - Brescia | ||||
| Stage 19 | May 28 | Brescia - Aprica | ||||
| Stage 20 | May 29 | Bormio - Passa del Tonale | ||||
| Stage 21 | May 30 | Verona - Verona (TT) |
So Glad you are going to do this! I did this (gulp) 5 years ago and it is both fun and challenging. I think I am going to do the smae and add the Giro to the blog rotation.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your Giro and TdF posts. I'm doing regional food posts during Tour de France this year. I'm finding the researching a little difficult as I don't read French. I remember reading Jeannes posts when I first began blogging.
ReplyDeleteWe're huge cycling fans too! Came from spending time in the south of France during several Julys, when all is the Tour. Glad to see you are too!
ReplyDeleteThanks all. Still hoping for some advice on the regions.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun challenge! I just met a French chef from Australia who is at the Tour de France to film cooking segments. I love how this sport prompts so many delicious foodie happenings.
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