Carson Rich
Words by Carson Rich
One of the biggest sporting events in the world is geared up to head to the Sunshine State, and no, it is not the Super Bowl. Giro d’Italia, one of the top three cycling tours in the world, is bringing the authentic feel of the classic Italian cycling race to St. Augustine in January.
The food, wine, music and culture of Italy is one of the main reasons that these tours are so special to many around the world. Races such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia present the beloved European atmosphere to people who do not often get to experience it in other places. Giro d’Italia noticed this and then decided to start a global initiative to bring this exact feeling that everyone knows and loves around the world. St. Augustine, steeped in centuries of history and romance, is about to witness a convergence of past and present as the 2024 Giro d’Italia “Ride Like A Pro” event pedals into its historic heart.
Riders will not only be able to immerse themselves in the historic atmosphere of Italy, but also the sport of cycling on a larger scale. Anyone is able to sign up for the event and can join any race that they wish, depending on which pace they prefer. The entire jam-packed weekend is filled with races that suit a variety of levels of experience, so no need to panic about the competition.
The first day of Ride Like a Pro features what is known as the “Ragazzi,” which in Italian is slang for guys, as in “you guys.” This is one of the more casual, family focused races that is not competitive and everyone is invited to ride at their own pace. This is for anyone who wants to enjoy everything around them while having a laid back experience of the beautiful scenery that St. Augustine — and the event — has to offer. The Sunday event, the “Gran Fondo,” is more on the competitive side, as it is a timed race on an 86-mile course that is split up into four segments and combined for a final time. In between these times, riders will get the chance to hydrate, use the restroom and make any necessary adjustments before it’s go time again.
Each of these courses has three options of distances to choose from — 33, 60 and 86 miles. Casual riders who just want to have fun and see what it is all about may want to try the shorter courses on the Saturday event, where they can ride at their own pace, while others could try their luck on the longer courses, seeing how they stack up against the pros. Once riders have crossed the finish line, they will receive a medal and a T-shirt, so no matter which one you choose, everyone’s a winner. On the night of the final race, an award ceremony will take place for the winners of the competitive ride, congratulating them on their place in the first-ever American Giro d’Italia event.
Christopher Moling, owner of DRC sports who is helping host the event, explained what Ride Like a Pro means for cycling and the countries hosting events. “People, they watch the Tour de France and everything like that, but this, especially with the Giro d’Italia, just feels different and invites a lot of people to get into the sport, especially if they’re casual riders,” he said. “They may know about these things, but this gives them an opportunity to say, ‘Hey man, let’s go do part of this and get a feeling for it.’ And you’re with a lot of other riders, so you’re getting to meet other people. You’re getting to participate in something bigger.”
Volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida will also be helping out, and a portion of the event’s proceeds will go toward their cause. This gives everyone the opportunity to come out and have a great time with friends and family, while also helping to give back to their own community at the same time.
The 2024 Giro d’Italia Ride Like a Pro event — with its fusion of athletic prowess and cultural celebration — adds another chapter to the city’s storied history. “Ride Like A Pro” is not only a showcase of elite cycling, but also a call for everyone to embrace the joy of the sport itself and where it came from. For more information, visit giroridelikeapro-usa.com.
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