Memories of the 2010 Giro

Despite being out of the country for the first week of the race, the 2010 Giro D'Italia has left a lasting memory on me.

It was a race domintaed by hard climbs and at times bad weather.

To see the riders led home off the 'White Roads' by a mud caked Cadel Evans is one of the great cycling images of all time.

Other great memories from the race include the stunning solo victory by Vicenzo Nibali where he held the leading group of favourites off in a tough run in. But the high point (metaphorically and almost literally) was the Monte Zoncolan.

The sheer effort that Ivan Basso and Evans made to simply reach the summit was incredible inspiring and I wonder if my increased effort out on the roads has been influenced by that.

The mountain time trial was memorable for the passion of the Tifosi as they punched their arms in encouragement of their heroes.

There was plenty for the Brits too with Team Sky showing well in their first three week grand tour. Was Wiggins holding back in the final week perhaps? 

Of course we have the Tour de France looming on the horizon and it will dominate the media coverage of cycling for the year, and rightly so. It is the premier vehicle for promoting our sport.

But it will have to be some race on the road this year to beat the Giro in terms of raw beauty, excitement and passion.

Over to you France...