In the world of cycling, the Giro d'Italia is a spectacle that never fails to captivate. This year's edition, however, has been a peculiar one, with a stage that feels more like a criterium than a traditional stage race. The 15th stage, set to take place on Sunday, is a prime example of this peculiarity. It starts in Voghera, makes a trip to Pavia to pay homage to the start of Milan-Sanremo, and then heads into Milan for a lap of a 16km circuit on wide roads. But is this really a stage or just a criterium in disguise? Personally, I think the Giro needs to shake things up, and the Rome and Milan stages could be reversed along the route. This way, we could have a Rome stage mid-race as the Giro heads past during its lap of Italy at some point during the first two weeks. Crucially, the Rome stage could be altered to make it more lively, showcasing the city of seven hills and providing great sport. It could even help the city by showing off some of the less famous spots and signalling to tourists that there is more than the overcrowded hotspots. Milan, on the other hand, is flat, and today's stage route could be the template for a final stage. The Tour de France has spiced up the final stage of late, but the Giro particularly needs a prize for the sprinter in the third week, or prizes plural, otherwise many simply go home. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the two cities. Rome, with its historic charm and winding streets, offers a unique challenge for cyclists. Milan, on the other hand, is a modern metropolis with wide roads and a more straightforward course. This raises a deeper question: how can we balance the traditional and the modern in cycling events to create a more engaging and diverse experience for both riders and spectators? From my perspective, the Giro d'Italia has always been about pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. This year, however, it seems to be struggling to find its footing. The stage in Milan feels like a half-stage, an interlude, an exhibition. We'll get a sprint finish, but surely no change on GC. This would be the same if the race had ridden 150km from point to point, but at least it would have travelled rather than going in circles. If you take a step back and think about it, the Giro needs to evolve. The traditional stage race format is no longer enough to capture the imagination of riders and fans alike. We need to introduce new elements, such as the Rome stage, to add excitement and variety to the race. In my opinion, the Giro d'Italia is at a crossroads. It needs to embrace change and innovation to remain relevant and engaging. The stage in Milan is a step in the right direction, but it's just the beginning. What this really suggests is that the Giro d'Italia needs to find a balance between tradition and innovation. It needs to create a race that is both challenging and entertaining, while also providing a platform for emerging talents and established stars alike. Only then can it truly live up to its reputation as one of the world's greatest cycling events.
