Giro D’ Luca gets under way

Giro D’ Luca, a three-day group cycling ride set over 530 kms, got under way in Bohol with a big field participating in the unique event among cycling enthusiasts and celebrities over a challenging terrain that has been a favorite among cyclists and triathletes.

The event kicked off Friday with an out-and-back ride from the Bellevue Resort Hotel in Panglao to Jagna then back to the posh resort venue covering a total of 200km. Yesterday’s 170km ride took the field from Bellevue Hotel to the famous Chocolate Hills and then back again to Bellevue.

Today’s (Sunday) final ride will cover 160kms from the starting line at Bellevue to Jagna and then to the resort hotel.

The annual event, sponsored by Ford and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., is held as part of triathlete Gianluca Guididelli’s 53rd birthday celebrations. It kicked off in 2011 with a bunch of the host’s friends but has since grown in numbers, luring hundreds of cycling enthusiasts from all over.

Celebrities Matteo Guidicelli, Gianluca’s son, and Victor Basa head the cast which had the option to join the three-day ride altogether or choose to ride for one or two days.

“The objective of Giro D’ Luca is to have fun. It promotes camaraderie among fellow bikers covering long distance rides,” said elder Guidicelli.

Bohol was chosen as the official venue due to its awesome cycling terrain, making it a favorite training site by cyclists and triathletes alike.

A post-event dinner get-together will cap the three-day event, backed by Ford Forza, Shotz, Dan’s/Specialized, Rudy Project, Alaska Milk Corporation, J&D/Belo, The Bellevue Resort Hotel, and Cobra Energy Drink.