Denmark Goes Pink
March 19, 2012In 2012, the Giro d’Italia (http://www.giroindenmark.com/index.php/en.html) has its northernmost starting point ever, when the opening stages of the world’s toughest bicycle race take place in Denmark 5-7 May. The bicycle loving Danes will kick off the cycling party with an array of fun happenings and side events.
The three first stages of the battle for the pink jersey, the Maglia Rosa, take off in and around the provincial towns of Herning (http://www.visitherning.com/international/en-gb/menu/turist/herning.htm and Horsens (http://www.visithorsens.dk/international/en-gb/menu/turist/horsens.htm) on the Jutland peninsula. British star sprinter, Mark Cavendish, and the rest of the riders face 405 kilometres of city circuits, endless windswept coastline, unspoiled forests and two of the highest points in Denmark, Ejer Bavnehøj and Yding Skovhøj.
Millions of TV-viewers will follow the race, and 250,000 visitors are expected to gather around the picturesque route where they can experience the suffering and the drive of the riders up close. In connection with the Giro d’Italia there will be an array of exciting things to do during the “Giro-mania”, which is what the host cities have named the event. Citizens, organisations, schools, and shops have planned a number of different Giro-related side events and happenings to mark and celebrate the race and Denmark as a cycling destination.
Pedal to the metal
The municipalities have arranged several large recreational bike races including “Cycling For All” (http://www.giroindenmark.com/index.php/en/giro-in-denmark/24-motionslobet-kores-som-motions-cykellob.html) in the town of Herning – an opportunity for amateur riders to test parts of the second stage of the Giro d’Italia, on the day before the 198 professional riders are let loose on the route.
If you are looking for a more bumpy ride and mud in your face, maybe Horsens MTB Prison Break (http://www.mtbprisonbreak.dk/) on May 4 is the thing for you. This mountain bike race celebrates the Giro d’ Italia by inviting daredevils and everybody else to participate in a race starting from the former state prison in Horsens. The rough surroundings with a murky history set the scene for a challenging urban race taking you through parks, shopping streets and buildings with several jumps and ramps along the track.
Should you prefer experiencing the “Giro-mania” without having to break a sweat, visit Denmark’s Industrial Museum (http://www.visithorsens.dk/international/en-gb/menu/turist/experiences/arts-architecture-history/museer/produktside/gdk004803/industrial-museum.htm?CallerUrl=1) in Horsens, where stage 3 will unfold. Here you will find a large themed exhibition about Giro d’Italia, and visitors can get a glimpse of the story of the traditional race, which has been a part of the Italian heritage since 1909. It will be the story of great champions like Coppi, Gimondi and Pantani, and a story of the drama and the moments that have become a part of bicycling history. It will also be the story of the legendary of the Danish riders in the race such as Ole Ritter and Rolf Sørensen.
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