2013 Giro d’Italia winner Vincenzo Nibali was in Izmir (Turkey). In a La Gazzetta dello Sport organization, around 100 riders including Nibali, are traveling by ship and riding their bikes where they visit. The last stop was Izmir, Turkey’s third-biggest city, near the Aegean sea. They rode through Menemen, Manisa, then returned back to Izmir.
I spent my childhood in Menemen, a small district of Izmir. I rode my bike over the very same course for years. Unfortunately, I was not there this time; in fact, I didn’t know there was such an event, so I missed the opportunity to ride with a Giro winner. (Photos: Şafak İnce)

La Gazzetta dello Sport riding event, Vincenzo Nibali climbing Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road), Turkey with his Astana teammate Paolo Tiralongo. Photo: Şafak İnce La Gazzetta dello Sport riding event, Vincenzo Nibali cimbing Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road), Turkey with his Astana teammate Paolo Tiralongo. Photo: Şafak İnce La Gazzetta dello Sport riding event, Vincenzo Nibali at Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road), Turkey. Photo: Şafak İnce Pelotong starting to climb Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road), Turkey. Photo: Şafak İnce Pelotong starting to climb Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road), Turkey. Photo: Şafak İnce La Gazzetta dello Sport riding event, MSC Divina at Izmir Port. Photo: Şafak İnce
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