Giro 2023, Giulio Ciccone already sets first goal

Giulio Ciccone wants to win on the roads where he grew up

Giulio Ciccone, a Trek-Segafredo rider from Abruzzo, Italy, also spoke at the presentation of the Grand Departure of the Giro d’Italia 2023 in L’Aquila on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Ciccone, in his career, has won three stages of the Corsa Rosa, also winning the maglia azzurra (awarded to the winner of the Grand Prix de la Montagne classification) in 2019.

“The Grand Departure of the Giro d’Italia is already, in itself, an electrifying event,” he said, “If it happens in my region, just a few steps from home, in the territory where I grew up, the emotions and motivation are from the very beginning very strong. To be honest, I still struggle to focus on how beautiful that moment will be. Speaking of the stages, the opening time trial on the Costa dei Trabocchi will offer crazy scenery and a super fast test. The second stage, the first in-line, will offer an assist to those who did not build up too much of a gap in the time trial and play for the Maglia Rosa. It’s a Giro start marked by speed, in a scenic setting and on interesting routes. It’s not suited to my climbing characteristics, but I think it’s obvious and fair.”

However, Ciccone already has a first goal: “I will look at the stage 7 finish at Campo Imperatore, which I know well. We will have time to talk about goals and ambitions later. Today we have to celebrate a great day for Abruzzo and a fortune for us Abruzzo riders. The Great Start is a historic, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime moment. When it comes, I want to enjoy every moment.”