Stretching over 1200 kilometres, from the knee of Italy’s boot to the tip of its toe, the Apennines are ‘il Bel Paese’s’ defining geographical feature - & yet many would struggle to point to them on a map.

Similarly, the range’s place in Giro folklore is underplayed or even ignored, despite glorious dramas on fearsome climbs like Blockhaus, Monte Carpegna, San Pellegrino in Alpe & l’Abetone. 

With the dual threats of Covid & an autumn freeze looming over the Alps & Dolomites, could the Apennines of the Giro’s second week become the race’s kingmakers - & finally bring Italy’s ‘other’ mountains some overdue recognition?

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