Chianti Classico to host Giro d’Italia stage

The vineyards of Chianti Classico will provide a fitting backdrop to a crucial stage of the Giro d’Italia next year.

Stage 9 of the cycling race is a 40.4km individual time trial and will run between the villages of Radda and Greve. It has also been christened the “Chianti Classico” stage due to its setting.

A testing combination of hills, particularly the final climb towards the end at Panzano, the stage will be key for those wishing to get their hands on the competition’s coveted maglia rosa or pink jersey, awarded to the race leader.

Race director Mauro Vegni, said: “This is going to be one of the most spectacular stages of the Giro 2016, both in a technical, riding respect as well as for its unique scenery.

“A 40km Individual Time Trial without a single metre of flat and almost at the middle of the race, will define for sure who the potential winners are. I would like to underline the landscape that we are going to show to the world through the unique TV images, as unique as the Gallo Nero territory that hosts this wonderful stage.”

The head of the Chianti Classico consorzio, Sergio Zingarelli, added: “It’s a great pleasure being able to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Chianti Classico wine hosting on our territory such an important international event.

“Cycling is one of the activities that Chianti Classico has chosen, for many years, to embody the close bond in between health, sport and the Gallo Nero: a territory to live, with deep roots and an inestimable richness of history, art, culture and gastronomy.”

Italy’s vineyards have often featured in the famous race just as the vineyards of France and Spain have in the Tour and Vuelta.

In 2014 Rigoberto Uran won the time trial between Barbareso and Barolo, while in this year’s race a 60km time trial through Prosecco allowed Alberto Contador to put three minutes between him and Fabio Aru on his way to overall victory.