The Giro returns to Genoa by the way of fifth stage which will lead to Lucca after 178 km. The stage takes place almost entirely along the Aurelia state road, following every curve and every up and down.
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Complex without being very demanding, the road leads to the 3rd category GPM Bracco Pass after 62 km and then continues without significant altitude difficulties up to Camaiore. From here the short climb takes place Montemagno, 4th category GPM 22 km from the finish line, first you descend along Val Freddana and reach the arrival point of Lucca. It’s easy to predict attacks, but the sprinters’ teams will try to keep the race closed and offer another chance to the fastest wheels, after the two stages won by Tim Merlier in Fossano and Jonathan Milan in Andora.
THE ITALY OF THE GIRO
The carruggi are fascinating, those alleys just behind the port where they have always been the heart of Genoa beats; extraordinary the Palazzi dei Rolli which due to their magnificence have been included in the UNESCO world heritage site; the world-famous Aquarium is unmissable. Genoa always offers a valid excuse to detain the guest. But the Giro does not allow too much time, we will have to take note and return as soon as possible. The game of the day is to get ahead of the group, calculating the times well to enjoy some visits to the places crossed by the stage.
Following the Aurelia you reach it first Recco (here you don’t need much imagination to force yourself to stop in search of the most famous Ligurian focaccia) and immediately after Camogli also called “the city of a thousand white sailing ships”, in memory of the period in which it was home to numerous shipowners and the fleets at their service, but which today dazzles with the colorful facades of the houses that surround the port. So here is Rapallo which, just behind the seafront, retains its medieval layout and boasts a sixteenth-century castle that seems to be suspended over the water. It’s still Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna and Sestri Levanteworldly and refined at the same time.
Here we say goodbye, but only temporarily, to the sea to go back up the Bracco Pass and go to discover the Val di Vara with its collection of historic villages. Once past Santo Stefano Magra, here is Sarzana with its unmistakable profile characterized by two manors: the Firmafede Fortress, completed in 1492 and recently brought back to life; and the Sarzanello Fortress. But here you also need to find time to order a plate of testaroli, the flagship of Lunigiana cuisine.
You get closer to the sea by crossing first Carrara and Massa, the cities of marble which is extracted from the Apuan Alps, now always clearly visible. The visit to the quarries requires a detour: from Carrara you can reach the very famous Fantiscriv ones, whose knowledge combines with that of the nearby Colonnata, cradle of the exquisite Lardo seasoned in marble basins.
Next stop a Pietrasanta, city of art and artists. Worth seeing here is the Cathedral of San Martino in Romanesque Renaissance style and the ateliers of the many sculptors and painters who here, in the wake of figures of the caliber of Botero, Mitoraj, Joan Mirò, Pietro Cascella, Arnaldo and Giò Pomodoro have chosen to live and work. Then it’s time to Camaiore where to admire the Lombard Abbey of San Pietro (8th century) and the thirteenth century Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
The short climb to Montemagno introduces the long final sprint. Lucca is one of those cities that are worth the trip. For an overall picture it is a must to go around the walls that entirely surround the historic center. The fortified ring measures 4,200 meters and can also be traveled by bike and is equipped with a lighting system that makes it accessible even after sunset. Beautiful panoramic views can also be enjoyed from the Torre delle Ore, whose top can be reached by climbing 207 steps, and from the Guinigi Tower made unmistakable by the seven holm oak trees that grow on its top. Wearing the Pink, the event that Lucca dedicates to the Giro d’Italia, is at ground level. It consists of an exhibition created by Karl Kopinskidedicated to international and international champions 12 inflatable spheres installed around the city.
