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Giro d’italia 2013 – The Italians love a good ‘Giovani’

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The Italians love a good ‘Giovani‘ – Under 23 rider.

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Enrico Battaglin. PhotoGian Mattia D’Alberto

Today’s Edinburgh edition of the Gazzetta deals with Battaglin’s fine Stage Four win. The Italian journo’s are already thinking about when he’s going to buy a Lambo/date a model/move to Monaco and they can say; ‘he’s not serious!’

And I have to put my hands up; “Non e parenti” means “is not family”, or “is no relation.”

Says the Giro of the Giovanni/Enrico Battaglin genes. Sorry.

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La Gazzetta Dello Sport’s pink pages explore the exploits of the older and younger Italian riders.

The Italians are blessed with a good crop of youngsters at the moment; as well as aforementioned Enrico there’s:

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Elia Viviani (Cannondale) is still only 24 and has 18 pro victories. Photo©Daniele Bottallo
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Salvatore Puccio (Sky) may not have big palmares at 23, but the fact that he was there at the end of Sky’s TTT to take pink says it all. Photo©Daniele Bottallo
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Moreno Moser (Cannondale) is definitely related to Francesco and at 22 already has a Strade Bianche to his name. Photo©Gian Mattia D’Alberto
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Diego Ulissi (Lampre) at 23 has nine victories. Photo©Sirotti
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Andrea Guardini (Astana) beat Cav to take a Giro stage last year and is still only 22. Photo©Pro Team Astana
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Fabio Aru is also with Astana and at 22 already a key man in Nibali’s victory bid. Photo©Ferrari

If the super cars and models don’t take their toll, Italy will have a fine generation of riders in a year or two.

The Gazzetta also prints a selection of a none too comfortable looking Brad. So it’s not just me who’s noticed how ill at ease the reigning Tour de France winner looks?

Narrow, slick roads, rain, deranged Pro Continental team riders desperate for TV time and glory and a general unwillingness among his fellow players to stick to the script of Brad’s smooth run at another Grand Tour win are all taking a toll.

Baron Wigan may well make me eat my words, but I think it’s now Nibali from Hesjedal.

Wish I wasn’t missing tomorrow’s chrono!

Ciao, ciao.

Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed's been involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he's been a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He's also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months was often working in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed remains a massive fan of the sport and couples his extensive contacts with an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the minutiae and the history of our sport. In February 2023 however, our dear friend and beloved colleague Ed suffered a devastating stroke and faces an uncertain future; Ed has lost his ability to speak, to read, and has lost movement on the right side of his body. He's working with speech and physical therapists on rehabilitation, but all strokes are different and each patient responds differently, so unfortunately recovery is one day at a time. Ed ran his own business installing windows, and will probably not be able to work again. Please consider joining us to make a contribution to Ed's GoFundMe page to help stabilise and secure his future.