The 2003 Giro d’Italia was the 86th edition of the prestigious Italian cycling race. It took place from May 10 to June 1, 2003. Here are some highlights:
Route: The race covered a distance of around 3,418 kilometers, starting in Lecce and finishing in Milan. The route featured both flat and mountainous stages, including several iconic climbs such as the Passo dello Stelvio and the Monte Zoncolan.
Contenders: The race attracted some of the top cyclists of the time, including defending champion Paolo Savoldelli, Gilberto Simoni, Stefano Garzelli, and Tyler Hamilton, among others.
Key Moments: The race was characterized by several dramatic moments and battles in the mountains. Gilberto Simoni, riding for Team Saeco, emerged as a dominant force in the mountains, claiming crucial stage wins and asserting his lead in the general classification.
Overall Winner: In the end, Gilberto Simoni secured his second Giro d’Italia victory, having previously won in 2001. He finished ahead of Stefano Garzelli and Yaroslav Popovych in the general classification.
Jersey Winners – 2003 Giro d’Italia
Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey): The Maglia Rosa is awarded to the overall leader of the general classification, the rider with the lowest cumulative time. In the 2003 Giro d’Italia, this jersey was won by Gilberto Simoni of Italy, riding for Team Saeco.
Maglia Ciclamino (Cyclamen Jersey): The Maglia Ciclamino is awarded to the leader of the points classification, which is determined by points earned at stage finishes and intermediate sprints. In 2003, this jersey was also won by Gilberto Simoni.
Maglia Verde (Green Jersey): The Maglia Verde is awarded to the leader of the mountains classification, which is determined by points earned at designated mountain summits. The winner of this jersey in the 2003 Giro was Fredy González, from Colombia.
These jerseys symbolize various achievements throughout the race and are highly coveted by cyclists participating in the Giro d’Italia.
Overall Ranking – 2003 Giro d’Italia
- Gilberto Simoni (Italy) – Team Saeco
- Stefano Garzelli (Italy) – Team Vini Caldirola-Sidermec
- Yaroslav Popovych (Ukraine) – Team Landbouwkrediet-Colnago
- Andrea Noè (Italy) – Team Alessio
- Georg Totschnig (Austria) – Team Gerolsteiner
- Dario Frigo (Italy) – Team Fassa Bortolo
- Serhiy Honchar (Ukraine) – Team De Nardi-Colpack
- Unai Osa (Spain) – Team iBanesto.com
- Franco Pellizotti (Italy) – Team Alessio
- Eddy Mazzoleni (Italy) – Team Vini Caldirola–So.di
Click here to remember who the winners of the 2004 Giro d’Italia were.