The Giro is the season opener for the Grand Tours and can be depended on to provide dramatic racing. In 2022 we started in Hungary before travelling onto Sicily and then mainland Italy. The first week brought us an assortment of parcours, stage winners and Le Col’s first classification jersey in a Grand Tour courtesy of Lennard Kämna’s attack atop Etna.

The Giro is not only famed for its savage climbs and stunning views. One of the characteristics that makes this race so special is the tifosi. In Italy they start their fans young, cheering on the side of the road for their favourite rider and soaking up the atmosphere of the race. You will also find lifelong fans on their balconies and gathered around a radio on the course ensuring they don’t miss any of the action.

If this first week of action has shown anything it is to expect the unexpected. A surprise Maglia Rosa wearer in the form of Juan Pedro Lopez, Cavendish showing some of his best form to take a stage win 9 years after his last win at the Giro and Simon Yates taking the win in the first ITT. This Giro is only just warming up but we can’t wait to see what the next two weeks have in store.

Thanks to Chris Auld and Russ Ellis for capturing this year’s race. See more of their work on Instagram