The Giro 2019 – Up Close and Personal

By Darryl Salisbury, Australia

Following one of the grand tours had always been a bucket list dream of mine. Never did I dream however, it would be the amazing experience delivered by Mummu Cycling in 2019. It all started while riding in the Tour of Margaret River, November 2018 with a bunch of good friends.  A text from one of the team, Jonesy - “Who wants to join our honeymoon? We’re doing the Dolomite Explorer, following the last week of the Giro with GreenEDGE Travel and there are not many spots left… sign-up now or cry later!” - Jonesy and Kirsty (cycling tragic's) married in October and delayed their honeymoon to coincide with the Giro. Three of us went on to crash their honeymoon....

Arrivée Day 1 Lake Como. This view from my hotel room set the precedent of the quality experience Mummu delivered everyday. The organisation, attention to our every needs and super-friendly team was outstanding!

The tour led us from Lake Como, through the Dolomites and onto the race against the clock in Verona where we rode the course and onto the stage!

Touring with Mummu Cycling allowed us to totally indulge in the Giro and everything the fight for pink and Italy offers.  We didn’t have to think about hiring cars, booking hotels, restaurants, directions to the next town, where to stay or where to be to get the best view of the race. 

Rather than write a long blog, blow-by-blow account, I’ll let the pictures and comments below speak for themselves, showing how everyday was the best day on tour. 

We’ll be back, probably to tick both Le Tour de France and La Vuelta Espana off the list!

Church of "Madonna del Ghisallo", the Patron Saint of Cycling with the legend Stuart O’Grady. Followed by a visit to the Museo del Ciclismo.  Then a  chat and roll with Stuey through the mist and mountains !

I didn't once have to load or unload my bike – everyday our bikes, nutrition and hydration were ready for us.

Amazing access to the Mitchelton-Scott team – talking to the riders, mechanics, Director Sportif and team staff – amazing!

The Honeymoon party atop Passo San Boldo.

Passo San Boldo.  We stayed in a castle about 15km away, rode to the summit, did the climb again about an hour or two before the race came through, watched the race come by, then enjoyed beers for an hour until Esteban won the stage!

Up close and personal with the team, then beers with Stuey to celebrate Esteban winning the stage. 

We stayed in a Castle!

These guys – awesome crew …. Massive thanks to each and every one of you for making the whole experience a forever cycling highlight!

Interested in making lifelong Giro d'Italia memories like this? Head here to secure your place on a Mummu Cycling tour at the Giro in 2021. With the majority of our 2020 bookings transferring across to next season’s tour due to Covid-19 restrictions, we highly recommend pre-registering by placing a simple risk-free booking deposit. Hope to see you there!