Tension is mounting in the Giro d'Italia. Today's circuit race through the streets of Milan was halted momentarily by the riders because the course was deemed too dangerous. See here for the story. I'm with the riders. Some of the courses are outrageous. There are cars parked on the streets; there are traffic islands and roundabouts that force the peloton to split; there are twists and turns at the end; and, on mountain passes, there are narrow passageways through drunken fans. Keep in mind that the riders are traveling at more than 40 miles per hour during sprint finishes. All they are wearing for protection are plastic helmets. This is not about making cycling safe for the timid; it is about respect for the riders as human beings. Sometimes I think the race organizers want to create danger, knowing that certain fans expect and enjoy it. (Think of the appeal of automobile racing.) I'm glad to see that Lance Armstrong is leading the protests. It will earn him the respect of his fellow riders, none of whom has the power he wields.
Addendum: Here is a New York Times story about the protest. Note that one rider reached a speed of 73 miles per hour on a descent. That is mind-boggling. I've gone as fast as 52 miles per hour (on 1 September 1990, while descending Cedar Hill). If anything happens at that speed, including a puncture, your life is over.
