It’s not all sweat and suffering at the Giro d’Italia; there’s room for some glamour, too, and in Italy above all places that is a very important factor. Each morning’s stage start sees the classification leaders pose for photographs with girls wearing correspondingly-coloured outfits; pink for the Maglia Rosa, green for the mountains jersey, red for the sprints jersey and white for the best young rider.
It’s essentially a photo opportunity, with these women holding sun umbrellas being photographed and filmed and broadcast around the world; it’s also something to add a little more style to the visual experience for those who are at the race.
Their presence is a little distraction for the riders in advance of some very tough hours in the saddle each day.
VeloNation spoke to two of those women prior to the start of a stage. Both spoke of their experience of the race, and talked about what the role involves, how they landed the part and who their favourite riders are. Their experience of the sport before coming on the event may be limited, but it’s hard not to get drawn into the spectacle and atmosphere of the Giro d’Italia.