News: Online training platform Zwift has agreed a partnership with RCS Sport, organizers of the Giro d'Italia, which will begin with the start of the 102nd edition of the race. As part of this partnership, the 8,2-kilometer prologue will be available on Zwift.
On Saturday, May 11th, the time has come and the first Grand Tour of the year starts. As an Official Partner, Zwift will launch the 8,2km Prologue course on its platform when the starting gun is fired, allowing Zwifters around the world to get closer to the race than ever
to feel before.
The prologue begins in the historic city of Bologna and features a 6km flat section but ends with a steep 2,1km climb that has an average gradient of 9,7% and a maximum gradient of 16%. This is a course that will surely test the legs.
“The Giro d'Italia has a long history of innovation. The Giro is always an exciting race and we've never been afraid to add excitement with new avenues. We're excited to bring a new technological advance to the race this year. This not only gives fans around the world the chance to experience a stage closer to the race, but also gives participating drivers a new way to prepare for the start of the race. Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport
The course will be released on Zwift on Saturday 11th May in conjunction with a series of time trials. These will take place throughout the Giro d'Italia. Zwifters who attend an event on the Bologna course within the first three days before the Prologue will be entered into a prize draw for a Maglia Rosa signed by the 2019 Giro winner.
In addition to the course release, Zwift and the Giro d'Italia are hosting a special event from the Bologna Race Village on Thursday, May 9th. Four of the participating Professional Continental teams, Nippo Fantini, Bardiani, Androni Giocattoli and Israel Cycling Academy, will race the Zwift Bologna Course to set a benchmark time in two separate races. Former Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso makes a brief comeback to test his legs and set a time for the new course. Zwifters will then be able to compare themselves to the times of the pros when the course goes online on Saturday 11th May.
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