This year I photographed two stages of the 108th edition of The Giro d’Italia pro cycling race. It is the first of the three Grand Tour races, the Tour de France and Vuelta a España being the other two. I created the opportunity to interview Canada’s cycling champion, Derek Gee of Israel – Premier Tech, for Canadian Cycling Magazine. It was set for me to meet him at the start of Stage 17 in San Michele all’Adige in the Trentino region of northern Italy.
The Trofeo Senza Fine (Infinity Trophy).
Me at the start line of Stage 17.
Me and Derek Gee at the start of Stage 17.
This stage would include some historic climbs from past Giro races. First, the riders would attack the Passo del Tonale: A 15.2 km climb with an average gradient of 6%, reaching an altitude of 1883 meters. At this point in the race, Gee had moved up into 4th place overall in the General Classification for the Maglia Rosa, where he remained until the end. A great finish for the Canadian National Champion.
The Leaders Jerseys depart in San Michele all’Adige.
The second climb of this stage would be the Passo del Mortirolo at 1852m altitude, a challenging 12.6 km climb with an average gradient of 7.6%, including steep sections at the end up to 16%.
Ascending Mortirolo via Monno.
My interview with Derek Gee
The race arrived in the ski town of Bormio in the Lombardy region with Isaac Del Toro taking his first ever grand tour win. More photos from Stage 17:
For Stage 18 I went to Cesano Maderno just outside of Milan for the arrival of the riders from Morbegno (144km). This stage started in the hills but came to a flat finish in the town where a circuit in Cesano Maderno would be repeated twice, offering a final chance for a bunch sprint. Several sharp corners break up the long straights and in the last 3 km, there are only two curves, with the final one leading to a 750 m straight on 8-metre-wide asphalt. I placed myself at the last straight for some action.
Nico Denz of team Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe took the stage win.
Mirco Maestri talking to the press after finishing second place.
More photos from Stage 18:
At the time of this post Derek Gee has left Team Isreal – Premier Tech. You can read the story here: https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/israel-premier-tech-says-derek-gee-has-quit-team/