What Is 2009 Giro dell'Emilia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia was a one-day road cycling race held on October 3, 2009, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It was won by Spanish rider Joaquim Rodríguez, who completed the 198 km route in 4 hours, 58 minutes, and 42 seconds.

Key Facts

The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia was held on October 3, 2009.
The race covered a total distance of 198 kilometers.
Joaquim Rodríguez from Spain won the race with a time of 4:58:42.
The event was part of the 2009 UCI Europe Tour as a 1.1 category race.
The race started and finished in the city of Bologna, Italy.

Overview

The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia was a prestigious one-day professional cycling race that took place in northern Italy. As part of the late-season Italian racing calendar, it attracted top-tier riders preparing for or concluding their competitive campaigns.

Traditionally held in early October, the 2009 edition marked the 92nd running of the race, which has long served as a key preparatory event for the UCI Road World Championships and Il Lombardia. The route featured challenging climbs and technical descents, testing the climbers and all-rounders alike.

The race was held on October 3, 2009, marking the 92nd edition of the Giro dell'Emilia and continuing its legacy as a historic Italian cycling event.
It covered a total distance of 198 kilometers, starting and finishing in Bologna, with a circuit that included multiple ascents of the Madonna di San Luca climb.
Joaquim Rodríguez of Team Katusha won the race in a time of 4 hours, 58 minutes, and 42 seconds, outpacing a select group of breakaway riders on the final climb.
The race was classified as a 1.1 event on the 2009 UCI Europe Tour, attracting teams from across Europe and featuring several WorldTour-level competitors.
Second place went to Roman Kreuziger, with Michele Scarponi finishing third, highlighting the race’s competitive depth and tactical intensity.

Key Climbs and Race Dynamics

The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia was defined by its demanding terrain, particularly the repeated ascents of the Madonna di San Luca, a steep and iconic climb near Bologna. This climb played a decisive role in fragmenting the peloton and setting up the final selection.

Madonna di San Luca: This 5.1 km climb with an average gradient of 8% was tackled four times, each time increasing the race’s difficulty and thinning the lead group.
Final lap attacks: With 25 km remaining, early breakaways were reeled in, and Rodríguez launched a decisive move on the last ascent of the Madonna climb.
Team tactics: Katusha and Liquigas led much of the pace-setting, aiming to control breaks and position their leaders for the final push.
Weather conditions: Overcast skies and light rain in the final laps added to the challenge, making descents treacherous and increasing the risk of crashes.
Peloton size: Of the 160 starters, only 78 riders finished, reflecting the race’s physical demands and high attrition rate.
Historical significance: The 2009 race continued the tradition of the Giro dell'Emilia as a proving ground for climbers ahead of Il Lombardia, often called the 'Race of the Falling Leaves'.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 edition can be compared to other years in terms of distance, winner, time, and UCI classification to understand its place in the race’s history.

Year	Distance (km)	Winner	Winning Time	UCI Category
2009	198	Joaquim Rodríguez	4:58:42	1.1
2008	202	Damiano Cunego	5:02:11	1.1
2007	196	Simoni Bettini	4:55:33	1.1
2006	200	Paolo Bettini	5:01:08	1.1
2005	195	Stefano Garzelli	4:50:15	1.1

The 2009 race was slightly shorter than the 2008 edition but featured similar climbing intensity. Rodríguez’s winning time was among the fastest, reflecting improved pacing and aggressive racing in the final laps. The consistent UCI 1.1 classification underscores the race’s importance in the European calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia was more than just a standalone race—it was a strategic milestone in the season for many riders aiming to peak at the World Championships or end the year with a strong result.

Launchpad for future success: Rodríguez’s win boosted his reputation as a top-tier climber, helping secure future leadership roles in Grand Tours.
Team Katusha’s emergence: The victory signaled the growing influence of the Russian-backed team in European cycling.
Italian racing heritage: The event reinforced Italy’s role as a central hub for one-day classics, especially in the autumn season.
Development of young talent: Riders like Kreuziger demonstrated their potential, foreshadowing future podium finishes in major races.
Preparation for Il Lombardia: Many participants used the race as a direct tune-up for the season-ending Monument, refining tactics and fitness.
Media and fan engagement: The dramatic finish and scenic route through Bologna drew significant attention, enhancing the race’s profile.

The 2009 Giro dell'Emilia remains a notable chapter in cycling history, remembered for its competitive field, challenging course, and the emergence of key riders on the international stage.