09 May 2019

The Giro d'Italia is one of the world's most famous bike races, and viewers can follow every stage of this year's race on S4C, with daily live coverage and highlights.

The Seiclo crew will show the concluding two hours from each stage every afternoon throughout the three-week race, as well as a half-hour highlights programme every evening. The experienced Seiclo commentary team, which consists of Wyn Gruffudd, John Hardy, Dewi and Gareth Rhys Owen, Rheinallt and Peredur ap Gwynedd and pro cyclist Gruff Lewis, will provide analysis and reaction from all 21 stages of the race.

This year's race gets underway with an individual time trial in Bologna on Saturday 11 May, with Seiclo's live coverage beginning at 4pm. Highlights of the opening stage will be shown at 9.45pm. Live coverage will be shown on television and online at S4C Clic and the Seiclo Facebook Live page.

Here are four reasons to look forward to this year's Giro d'Italia:

The History

This year's Giro d'Italia – which is also know as the Corsa Rosa - will be raced for the 102nd time. It was first held in 1909 and has ran annually ever since, apart from the period of the two World Wars. The first edition saw 127 riders start the eight-stage, 2,448km-long race, with only 49 riders finishing.

The Dramatic Landscape

This year's race covers 3,518.5km over 21 stages, starting in Bologna. From there, the race heads south along the west coast, before returning north to take the riders through the Alps and the Dolomites mountain ranges. The race reaches its finish in Verona. Dramatic helicopter shots will give viewers the best views of the country's magnificent historical landmarks and hidden gems.

The Cyclists

Despite the absence of last year's winner, Chris Froome, and last year's Tour de France winner, Geraint Thomas, this year's Giro still boasts a top-class field. Previous winner Tom Dumoulin is the bookies' favourite, but Simon Yates, Egan Bernal, Vincenzo Nibali and Primoz Roglic are expected to make the race for the Maglia Rosa very competitive.

The chance to learn some Italian

If you're visiting Italy this summer, what better opportunity to pick up on some of the language than by following the race? Here are some often-used Italian phrases to listen out for during the race: Grande Partenza (Big start or Grand depart), Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey), Gruppo (Peloton), Fuga (breakaway group), Gregario (Domestique rider), Cimma Copi (The highest altitude reached by cyclists during the race) and Arrivo (Finish line).