Naples, 12 May 2024 – Life as emperors, today, for the cyclists of the Giro-E, which makes little masterpieces of its starts (all different from those of the Giro d’Italia). A piece of cake, when it comes to Naples and, more specifically, Bacoli. Founded by the ancient Romans, with Baia it was a renowned holiday destination for the patricians. Traces of it can be found on land and, due to the area’s strong bradyseism (earth movement), underwater too. Emperors aside, Bacoli lives on its own beauty, between Monte di Procida, Capo Miseno, the Aragonese Castle of Baia and a horizon which, wherever you cast your gaze, tugs at your heartstrings, especially when you look at Naples as if from the sea. With the signature podium at the Villa Comunale and the route first touching on Lake Fusano with the evocative Casina Vanvitelliana and then the Gulf of Naples up to the finish line on the Caracciolo seafront, what more do you want from cycling? Grimpeurs and suiveurs are catered for, both from a tourist and cycling point of view.
Thus ends the first “week” (actually nine days) of the Giro-E Enel 2024, with a fine total of 506 kilometres travelled and 8,300 metres of positive altitude difference. Tomorrow the electric caravan takes a break, so we’ll see you back on the street well rested, on Tuesday.
The Bacoli-Naples stage
Today’s section, however, was no walk in the park: 700 metres altitude range in just 50 kilometres, for Sunday cyclists (today also in the literal sense) such as most of the Giro-E, require a certain amount of work. Nothing majorly tough though, apart from a short (two kilometre) but intense descent from Monte Procida, but a series of leg-breaking ups and downs. Luckily the beautiful Giro-E e-road bikes have motors and batteries hidden in the frame and hubs.
