The Giro d’Italia Brand Special

Our gift from 2020 Giro d’Italia winner Tao Geoghegan Hart – hung proudly at Merlin HQ

Starting on May 4th 2024, the first Grand Tour of the year begins in the Italian city of Turin. Running for 3 weeks, and finishing in the capital of Rome, the Giro d’Italia is arguably one of the most beautiful races on the pro-cycling calendar as it goes through some of the most beautiful scenery that the country has to offer.

Steeped in history, Italy is one of the spiritual homes of cycling with many of the most loved cycling brands based there. With the excitement of the Giro d’Italia about to start, we take a look at some of the Italian brands used in the Pro Peloton and by which teams.


Wilier

Teams used by – Groupama-FDJAstana Qazaqstan

Ridden by riders such as Mark Cavendish, the Wilier frames are oozing with Italian sophistication. Beautiful to look at with some stunning paint jobs, will we see any Wiliers powering to stage wins during the racing this year?


Vision

Teams used by – Arkéa-B&B HotelsAstana QazaqstanBahrain VictoriousEF Education-EasyPost

A popular wheel brand, and one that boasts class leading aerodynamics and ride quality, Vision wheels and their performance benefits can also be gained by everyday riders like you and me. See our range of Vision wheels here.


Vittoria

Teams used by – Alpecin-DeceunickArkéa-B&B HotelsAstana QazaqstanEF Education-EasyPostTeam dsm-firmenich PostNLTeam Visma | Lease a Bike

A very popular choice amongst the teams, Vittoria tyres offer an excellent ride quality and a beautifully supple ride. However, the grip and speed they offer is not just limited to the pro’s and you too can also take advantage of their low rolling resistance performance on your own bicycles. Available in a variety of fitments including tubed and tubeless.


Selle Italia

Teams used by – Alpecin-DeceunickArkéa-B&B Hotels

Perhaps one of the oldest Italian brands, Selle Italia have been producing saddles for over 120 years. As used by current World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, the Italian manufacturer has often been a firm favourite for countless riders, whether they be professional or amateur, around the world.


Fizik

Teams used by – Decathlon-AG2R La MondialeMovistarTeam Visma | Lease a Bike

Producers of saddles and finishing kit, Fizik were founded in 1996 and produce some of the best looking products on the market. Providing the saddles for some of the best riders on the Giro, the range of varying shapes and designs ensure comfort is provided for some grueling days on the road such as the 222km stage from Manerba del Garda to Livigno.


Pirelli

Teams used by – Lidl-Trek

Not just producers of tyres for Formula One motor racing, Pirelli tyres are becoming a popular choice in the world of cycling. Found on the bikes of Lidl-Trek, Pirelli road bike tyres that offer optimal performance whatever the conditions are. Something that will be essential when descending the likes of the Mortirolo and Stelvio at speed.


Colnago

Teams used by – UAE Team Emirates

Is this the bike brand that will take the famous Maglia Rosa in Rome at the end of May? Colnago need no introduction and with the debut of Pogacar at this years Giro, there is a very good chance that a Colnago V4RS could take the podium. My personal favourite however is the gorgeous C68 we currently have in our Chorley showroom (pictured).


For the full range of products available at Merlin Cycles click HERE

Author

  • Andy McAteer

    A keen cyclist, I've ridden everything from road, track, mountain and gravel. Currently riding on the gravel bike the most around the local trails of Rivington. Can usually be found having a beer post-ride at the local brewery.

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