The Giro d’Italia is a big event in Italy. There was great excitement in Bagni di Lucca today…the race came right through our villages.
My balcony provided an excellent vantage point to watch it all unfold. Our little piazza at Ponte a Serraglio was packed with people waving flags and waiting for the cyclists to appear.
Sponsors’ cars sped through first.
The first bikes appeared after endless official vehicles.
The crowds were waiting to cheer them on.
A little while later the bigger group of cyclists appeared along the river.
Here are some photos from the bar, thanks to Belinda.
A helicopter flew overhead to follow the proceedings.
More official vehicles brought up the rear.
…and it was all over. The whole event went through Ponte a Serraglio in a matter of minutes, but it was great fun and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Go to Bagni di Lucca and Beyond for a bit more on the race.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
What an awesome sight! 3 weeks until I’m in Bagni!!!! I can’t wait!
What a pity you weren’t here yesterday.
Such a fun day. It was great being a part of all the festivity! You had a wonderful vantage point, thanks for sharing your photos!
It is difficult to know which is better, to be above watching or on the ground and part of it.
Yes, I remember watching some bike race from your balcony in 2006 – not sure if it was the same as the one you mentioned here. The group of bike riders really whizzed past, like you said, gone in a flash. The atmosphere is what makes the event exciting. Great to see you were part of this, Deb.
I don’t think it was the Giro. It has been through before, but not in 2006. There are lots of cyclists in our area, they like the hills.
See an account of the race from a different viewpoint at
https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/think-pink-and-win/
(including who won the stage and who remains the overalll winner).
and also some history of the race at
https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/re-cycling-and-cycling-at-bagni-di-lucca/
including Bartali and Coppi
Thanks Francis for your view.
We could not be in two places at the same time… But it was an amazing experience to see them past the mill. Everything was so fast! Quite a sight!
I was torn, on the balcony or on the street.
Great photos of a wonderful event – thank you!
Very exciting!!
Just fantastic Deb! This is Italy 100%
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