Life with the Giro d'Italia: Peter Easton could guide you on a trip just about anywhere in the world. But Italy... well it's in his blood. As the 2021 Giro d'Italia is about to kick-off in Torino with a 9 kilometer time trial, Peter gives us his take on the Italian spirit... pre-covid.

Normally this Saturday in Valkenburg Holland, maybe the largest cyclo-sportif event associated with any European Classic, the Amstel Gold Cylcosportif would be run, but covid has put a stop to that mass event. The Pez was lucky enough to join the 18,000 plus throng back in 2007, and it was quite a day.

It’s 1:30 AM, Belgium time, we just got the power restored after I plugged one too many cords into the hotel’s electrical outlets. BAM! Hotel blackout... courtesy of PEZ. But what a day it’s been – we rode on the Flanders’ route, and it was “TOP RIDE” material for sure. Here are the pics…

After one month under strict coronavirus lockdown measures in France where he couldn't ride more than 1km from his house, our man in France Chris Selden knew exactly where he would go when restrictions eased this past weekend, the Col de la Rouquette.

With the 2020 Tour de France still fresh as one of the most unexpected in years, and the 2021 route just revealed, it's never a bad time to dream of great riding days ahead.  Stage 18 of next year's Tour takes riders from Pau to the finish climb up Luz Ardiden, after summiting the mighty Tourmalet - one of cycling's hallowed and most revered ribbons of road. 

VIDEO: It took me a few tries to get it right, but now Milan is one of my favorite cities. Over the years I've honed this mini tour to get my dose of Italy's fashion & industrial capital - which usually happens after a long flight when getting out there is the best way to power through the jetlag and soak in the culture, vibe, and negronis - of this vibrant city.

GIRO TT PREVIEW VIDEO: I discovered riding in Italy's prosecco region in the Veneto as part of the Prosecco Cycling gran fondo.  Vineyards, lush rolling hills, and a 19% climb will also feature as the major obstacle in the 2020 Giro d'Italia's stage 14 time trial from Conegliano to Valdobbadiene.  Luckily I had the GoPro rolling for some stunning on-bike video of the climb, the ride, and the prosecco & scampi rest stop.

The 2020 Giro d'Italia Stage 12 runs a long 205km circuit from Cesenatico  - Marco Pantani's home town.  The route is lumpy all day - with 5 categorized climbs.  Although Il Pirata's favorite climb - the Carpegna is not on this year's route, I rode it myself and it's a must do for any cycling trip to the region.  Here's what it's like...

Negroni Week on PEZ wouldn't be complete without homage to a true maestro of mixology. I speak only of Marco - proprietor of the legendary Barolino in Levanto Italy.  I vowed after first discovering his bar at the 2009 Giro to return one day with Mrs. Pez - and order two of his finest Negronis.