2003 Giro d'Italia
The 86th Giro d' Italia took place between 10 May and 1 June 2003. The cyclists have covered a total of 3408.5 km from the start of the tour in Lecce by traditional goal in Milan. Winner overall was the Italian Gilberto Simoni, with over 7 minutes ahead of his compatriot Garzelli.
Course
There were 21 stages, including 2 individual time trials and five mountain top finishes. The two highest points were climbed during the 18th stage. The Colle di Esischie has a height of 2366m and was thus the peak of this Giro. The second highest mountain was the Colli di Sampeyre with 2284m height. The stage ended with a mountain top finish in 1815m altitude. Thus, this stage was without a doubt the queen stage, the Dario Frigo won with 10 seconds ahead of the former leader and eventual winner Simoni, who on more opponents significantly enhanced by this stage his lead. He has increased his lead over the runner-up of less than 2 minutes to about 7 minutes.
With seven victories, the Italian Petacchi won the most stages, who wore jersey total of 6 stages over the pink. Besides the winner, only the second-placed Garzelli could wear this jersey for 3 days.