Giro d'Italia 2008

Last week I was fortunate to be in the V.I.P tent at the finish line for stage 9 of the Giro d'Italia. The stage was run over 218 km along the Tuscan coastline from Civitavecchia - San Vincenzo & was won by Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati. He narrowly beat current World Champion Paolo Bettini, with our very own Robbie McEwan rounding out the podium in 3rd.

Together with my good mate Paolo Rivella I spent the afternoon once again wine tasting & mingling with Italian cycling champions both past & present. We were guests courtesy of a couple of friends who work for the local Skoda dealer in Grosseto. Thanks guys!

Unfortunately, I narrowly missed meeting Franco Ballerini who is the current 'commissario technico' or Italian National coach. He won Paris - Roubaix on 2 occasions & was one of my favorite ex - pros. All was not lost however as I did manage to have a good chat with 1966 Giro d'Italia winner Gianni Motta. He was a very nice gentleman, full of questions about Australia. In fact I really think he wasa little shocked I knew who the hell he was. Actually, I think I made his day.

Another highlight was to speak with my mate Nick Gates from my old Taree Cycling Club days. He is riding as part of the Silence - Lotto team in his final season as a pro. Nick finished the stage in the main group after helping to keep Robbie in position for thefinal run into the finish.

It was really an unforgettable day! Thanks Skoda......