Heading back to the Giro for the third year in a row, I still don't feel like a veteran. In fact, I'm nervous.

There is so much that goes into chasing a grand tour - the gear, the travel, the planning, the negotiating, the adrenalin - plus more than a bit of luck. And yet, inside this 3-week whirlwind, I know I am going to meet some extraordinary characters, have some unforgettable experiences, indulge a harebrained adventure or two - and, against the backdrop of chaos, witness the most beautiful sport in the world, played out like a soap opera of heroes, villains, tragedy and, ultimately, triumph.

And I will try to bring all that to life on these pages - so I can share this incredible bike race with you (as well as the stories behind it). The rich tapestry of people, food, culture, glorious countryside and incredible racing that make the Giro d'Italia such a unique, and beautiful, experience for riders and spectators alike.

– Beardy McBeard