‘Giro Donne can stand on its own two feet’ – organiser praises RCS Sport takeover
Giuseppe Rivolta has a long history at the Giro d’Italia Donne, having organized the event for 18 years before PMG Sport/Starlight took charge of the event in 2021.
Rivolta praised PMG Sport/Starlight for the improvements to the event in three years, but also welcomed the news that RCS Sport would take over from 2024 to 2027, saying it will help the race “stand on its own two feet”.
“I am delighted that all this interest is linked to the Giro Donne. In the past there was a call for tenders, but in practice nobody took part, so they asked the organizer of the previous year,” Rivolta said in an interview with BiciPro.
“This time, I think it was also the driving force behind the commissioning of the U23 Giro [Giro Donne and U23 Giro] together made the package more attractive for the organizers. This means that the Giro Donne has grown in prestige over the years. And maybe that means it’s partly thanks to me.”
The Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) confirmed that RCS Sport would organize both the Giro d’Italia Giovani Under 23 for a five-year term and the Giro d’Italia Donne for a four-year term, following a carefully crafted application process RCS Sport is the only contender.
“Roberto Ruini arrived with Starlight in 2021 and was able to put together two beautiful editions,” said Rivolta.
“And from next year, racing at RCS Sport will be in excellent hands. You are the best prepared, the facts speak for it, not just me. Now I can feel relaxed because the Giro Donne can stand on its own two feet.”
RCS Sport already organizes the men’s Giro d’Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico, Milan-San Remo, Il Lombardia and the Strade Bianche for men and women, as well as a number of other smaller races.
The Giro d’Italia Donne is currently organized by PMG Sport/Starlight, an organization that has taken over the 2021 and 2022 women’s stage race from Rivolta.
PMG Sport/Starlight narrates cycling news that it will continue to organize the Giro d’Italia Donne in 2023, which will take place from June 30 to July 9 until RCS Sport takes over next year. However, there were complaints of a lack of information about the track, leaving teams unable to plan their key goals of the season.
“I can tell you that I started on-site inspections at the end of February last year, so for the moment we are still on the same roadmap. However, I understand that teams, athletes and the public want to know about the track. I repeat, it means there’s really a lot of interest and that’s a really good thing,” said Rivolta.
PMG Sport/Starlight narrates cycling news that they are currently talking about a finish in Sardinia and a departure from Rome.
Rivolta said he would have revealed minor details of the track sooner if it were up to him, but believes there’s a reason PMG Sport/Starlight haven’t presented more of the track.
“Personally, based on what we’ve done in the past, I would have, if only to mitigate that moment of silence. We played early. But that’s my opinion. If Starlight decided otherwise, it had certainly a good reason. Definitely.” , we knew about last year’s Giro Donne [route] on March 10th, so we are still on schedule in that case.”
When asked if he thinks racing is in danger this year, Rivolta said: “I’ll give you the answer, which for me is perhaps the most important part of our whole call; this year the Giro Donne cannot be skipped. The Federciclismo cannot allow it and someone will organize it. If you need me, I’m ready, eh [Roberto] ruin or [Mauro] Vegni calls me.”
The Giro d’Italia Donne is one of the most historic races on the women’s calendar and the only race available to offer 10 days of racing along with iconic mountain passes such as the Stelvio, Zoncolan, Gavia and Mortirolo. In 2023 the race will celebrate its 34th anniversary.
For now, the event occupies the first week of July on the international calendar, although organizers have hinted at a date change in the future. Last year and this year it took place just before the Tour de France Femmes, also in July. Rivolta said he would like to see the race extended to two weeks in the future.
“The current 10 stages are very good, but I would gradually extend them. Maybe add a fraction every two years to get to two weeks. From Sunday to Sunday, with two rest days in between, it was around the turn of the year 2000. I hope RCS can do that. For me, the Giro Donne has the potential to overtake the Tour de France women.”