> >From what I've read online at various places, there were
> entrants invited from
> modern pro teams which were to be racing together in their
> own event. These were intended to be in a separate group
> and starting at a different time.
> However, they may have overtaken (or, I like to think fallen
> back) and merged into one of the traditional bike amateur
> groups.
>
> Perhaps a nice idea for those racers to have a go at the
> traditional terrain to remind them of
> their racing heritage. But, I think it was actually to help
> promote the
> event more widely with the appearance of some familiar
> European racing names
> which could be mentioned in the press.
>
> Let's just hope this does not eventually evolve into an
> Italian version of
> the Paris Roubaix, complete with huge media entourage,
> imposing itself on the
> lovely countryside. Even if they were to isolate it,
> scheduled into a
> different weekend entirely, yes it would bring a lot of
> money to the local communities, but at what cost.
Apparently, it's a bit confusing, as there were two distinct events, the Eroica your guys rode so heroically, and a professional race on the same route, two days later:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/
But there were also some professional riders on your ride, as well. I suppose that served two purposes: 1) get more international recognition for the event, and 2) allow willing professionals (e.g. Gilberto Simoni) to get some experience on the gravel roads.
Anyway, I have real admiration for everyone who rode the course, from the 38k tourist route, to the 180 kilometer pro race (which "only" included 70 kilometres of gravel roads.) Fred Rednor - Arlignton, Virginia (USA)
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