The Giro D'Italia

Have you noticed Belfast turning increasingly pink lately? The ‘connoisseur’s’ bike race, the Giro d’Italia, is starting in Belfast on Friday May 9th, with two days around Northern Ireland followed by a third day finishing in Dublin. I explain a bit more about this often overlooked race, and, if you're feeling inspired, give some advice on easing the aches and pains caused by long distance cycling.

What is the Giro D'Italia?

The route of ‘the Giro’ is traditionally even harder than the Tour de France and it’s the leader’s pink jersey that accounts for the pinkification of our local streets, shops and civic buildings.

The Giro d’Italia is a little less commercial and so more accessible than the Tour de France, with riders happier to chat at the beginning of the day and winners’ podiums easier to see at the end. It is one of the three major tours, the other one being the ‘Vuelta’, the Tour of Spain; but the race coming to us has more glamour, razzmatazz and colour than any other, as you’d expect from the Italian organisers.

Big foreign races like to visit other countries to spread the cycling message in beautiful locations, and host cities enjoy the tens of thousands of visitors that line the route and boost our economies, but to us it’s the health message that counts the most.

So get inspired, get out there, and get cycling!

Feeling inspired? My top tips for aches and pains

If you are inspired by one of the hardest endurance events on the planet and want to get riding a little more often, here are some suggestions to overcome any aches and pains that might slow you down:

Pedal a light gear at around 80-100 pedal strokes a minute to avoid muscle strain

Set your saddle height correctly so that both feet can reach the floor by tiptoe. This will save your knees

Keep your handlebars raised to saddle height if you suffer with lower back or neck pain

Make sure your saddle is horizontal or you might experience shoulder pain or the dreaded saddle sores!

Too late? There are some wonderfully effective remedies to keep you on the road. Atrogel, made from fresh Arnica, helps joint and muscle pain in no time at all. Atrosan (Devil’s Claw tablets) is a licensed remedy for ongoing sore backsand those grumbling joints. Bioforce Cream gives overnight relief from sore skin in the unmentionable areas so that you can do it all again the next day; and if midges threaten to spoil your day in the glorious countryside, Neem Insect Repellent will make your picnic stop a lot more enjoyable.

Ride safely, enjoy the big weekend and let’s hope the sun shines on our beautiful shores!

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Here's what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel^® for the effective relief from aches and pains.

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Did you know?

Foods such as red meat and dairy products and drinks such as caffeine and alcohol can all trigger inflammation which can increase muscle and joint pain.

Worst foods for muscle & joint pain