Thomas Fruits
Rome, 15 Feb. Giro d’Italia director Mauro Vegni assured EFE that the prestigious race “is not just a sporting event” due to its importance for cycling fans, but “a lifestyle” clearly committed to durability.
“The Giro is not just a sporting event, it’s a whole series of things that range from a massive, popular event to sustainability, because cycling is sustainable mobility, in line with what are today ‘now also innovative projects from the European Community,’ says Vegni.
“We are also doing a whole series of events, starting for example with Ride Green, an initiative for people to understand how to get rid of all urban waste, because we know very well that their correct disposal can obtain benefits, including economic”, Add.
In addition, the Giro carries out other initiatives for the little ones: “We try to show how the right approach to sport should be, because performance should not always be sought, it should be the possibility for a child to be able to express themselves and then, if they can be champions, they will see it later”.
It is not the first year that the Giro has also focused on being a sustainable competition, he explains.
“Let’s say that for the last twenty years we have also had a sustainability policy. Not only in the sporting event, but also to make people understand what the problems of the environment and sustainability are, the proper waste disposal, healthy food. We want to be a way of life,” he said.
Regarding public attendance expectations, which have decreased due to pandemic restrictions, Vegni comments: Last year “we already had a lot of feedback from the public”, although “we have to take into account the date to which it is contested”.
“It’s happening in May, at a time when schools, businesses are running at full speed. So it’s important to take into account where, when it’s happening, but I think the public has always come from an important way”.
The route of the next edition will end with a stage in the historic center of Rome (downtown) and a route that will cross the most emblematic places of the Italian capital, from the Colosseum to Castel Sant’Angelo, passing through the Baths from Caracalla, the Vatican or Navona and the People’s Squares.
“It’s in line with what we’ve been doing for 10 years, which is to try to have courses during the three weeks that give the possibility of changing protagonists every day. It’s important because, the more There are protagonists, the more important the Giro. Last weekend the climbs are essential, because in this way people really participate more, “he says.
“Arriving in Rome is important, in addition to being our capital, because of what it represents from a cultural, geographical point of view and the beauty of Rome,” he says. ECE
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