The Giro d'Italia

The Giro d'Italia cycle race is a marvellous promotional spot for Italy and it is not by chance the daily stages are beamed in full and across the world by Raisat.

In fact, this year there was a not too concealed admission that the route was designed to highlight some of Italy's most popular and exclusive tourist destinations - north Sardinia, Sorrento Peninsular, Cinque Terre etc.

There were even two stages featuring the cyclists riding around the motor racing tracks of Mugello and Fiorano Modenese with plenty of Ferrari's lining the route.

Which meant some more traditional regional cycling hotbeds in the country missed out this year, such as the Adriatic Coast in Emilia Romagna.

But, as with the Tour de France, the Giro started out as a publishing stunt for the race sponsors, but you can't take away the agonism of the participants or the love of the event for the spectators.   

We wouldn't miss it for anything and it is the perfect way to view Italy as the capricious Spring gives way to the long hot Summer.