Tour of Italy 2019, the “Sangiovese Wine Stage”, time trial between Riccione and San Marino

Giro d’Italia and wine meet once again. The “Wine Stage” of the 2019 bike tour is dedicated to Sangiovese di Romagna, and is the 9th stage of the Giro, on May 19th, the individual time trial between Riccione and San Marino. WineNews was at Vinitaly and got the announcement in advance from the GM of the pink race, Mauro Vegni. The stage of the race is dedicated to a great “pop” wine and a land that has given birth to many bicycle champions from the unforgettable Marco Pantani to the current coach of the Italian national team Davide Cassani.

“The tour is one of Italy's many excellent products, not only a sport, but also culture and food&wine. We've wanted to dedicate a stage to a leading product in the world, like wine, for many years. We started the Wine Stage some years ago, in top territories (in past editions dedicated to Chianti Classico, Sagrantino di Montefalco and Franciacorta, ed.). This year it will be dedicated to Sangiovese di Romagna and in the future we want to expand this experience to other products, expressions of Italian excellence the world over. The tour of Italy narrates the territories”, explained Vegni, “and so it is a natural choice. We have many interesting requests, like from Oltrepò Pavese (it will be in the “caravan” with a dedicated vehicle as the official sponsor, ed.). Lombardy is also an important Region because the tour has arrived in Milan 75% of the time, so let’s see if this collaboration materializes. Now, the appointment for 2019 is Emilia Romagna and the “Sangiovese Wine Stage” between Riccione and San Marino”.