Tram tracks presented a major point of controversy in the ill-fated 2009 Giro Stage 9 in Milan last year, but the Giro is looking to ensure that will not be the case in 2010.
The opening prologue in Amsterdam on Saturday would likely have been a veritable mine field of tram track danger in years past, but the race is adding 650 meters of foam filler to danger points on the tracks along the route in 2010.
The foam additions will be placed in between the rails on the Vijzelgracht, the Ceinturbaan, the Olympiaweg, and Apollolaan. After the event, the foam will be removed and stored for future use.
The foam does not initially stand out as a major part of the race preparation, but it is a reassuring bit of recognition by organizers in regards to rider safety, an issue that has been a point of serious concern in the past.
Following the infamous slow rolling protest in Milan in 2009, Garmin-Transitions' Tyler Farrar commented: “I think the race organizers sometimes just want to put on a big show and have that drama for TV. But next time, I really hope they consider our safety first.” At first glance, it looks like last year's protest has left its mark.
The Dutch train systems will also get a makeover to celebrate the Giro. Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam Zuid, Utrecht Centraal, Leiden Centraal, Roosendaal, and Middelburg will all be adorned in pink during the Giro. The stations will mimic the gateways to the starts and finishes of the Giro with big pink balls.