San Marino Stamps year 1965 Cycling – 48th Giro d` Italia

San Marino Stamps year 1965 Cycling – The 48th Giro d` Italia complete set MNH**

The Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, alongside the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. It is a Grand Tour, held annually in Italy and sometimes passing through neighboring countries.

1. History and Origins

• First held in 1909, organized by the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.
• Inspired by the success of the Tour de France, aiming to promote cycling and the newspaper itself.
• The first edition covered 2,448 km over eight stages, with Luigi Ganna winning.

2. Race Format

• Takes place in May–June and lasts about three weeks.
• Divided into 21 stages, including:
  • Flat stages for sprinters.
  • Mountain stages in the Alps and Dolomites.
  • Time trials (TT)—either individual or team.

3. Jerseys & Classifications

• Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey) – Leader of the general classification (GC).
• Maglia Ciclamino (Cyclamen Jersey) – Points classification (best sprinter).
• Maglia Azzurra (Blue Jersey) – Best climber (King of the Mountains).
• Maglia Bianca (White Jersey) – Best young rider (under 25).

4. Iconic Climbs

The Giro is famous for its brutal mountain climbs, including:

• Passo Stelvio – One of the highest and toughest climbs in cycling.
• Monte Zoncolan – Steep, relentless ascent with gradients over 20%.
• Mortirolo Pass – A legendary climb, feared by even the best riders.
• Passo Gavia – High-altitude climb often covered in snow.

5. Famous Winners

• Fausto Coppi (Italy) – 5-time winner (1940, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1953).
• Eddy Merckx (Belgium) – 5-time winner, dominated in the late 60s and 70s.
• Felice Gimondi (Italy) – One of the few to win all three Grand Tours.
• Marco Pantani (Italy) – Heroic climber, won in 1998.
• Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) – Modern Italian legend, won in 2013 & 2016.

6. The Giro’s Unique Challenges

• Unpredictable Weather – Riders face extreme conditions, from heat to snow.
• Steep and Narrow Roads – Some climbs are steeper and more technical than the Tour de France.
• Tifosi (Fans) – Passionate Italian fans create an electric atmosphere.

7. Recent Developments

• The Giro sometimes starts abroad—recent starts include Hungary (2022), Israel (2018), and the Netherlands (2016).
• Modern stars like Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, and Egan Bernal continue the tradition of legendary winners.