Forests are already the winners of the “Maglia Rosa” at the 97th Giro d’Italia

28 May 2014 News

While Nairo Quintana remains in the pink jersey as the riders cycle through PEFC-certified forests for four of the last six stages, sustainable forest management is already the early winner of the Maglia Rosa.

This is because for the 97th Giro d’Italia, the race organizers and Giro ‘Green Partner’ PEFC Italia are working together to show why forests are important to all of us, from cyclists to spectators to viewers alike.

“For the owners of these forests, this is an extremely proud moment, having their forests chosen to showcase the closing stages of this year’s Giro d’Italia,” said Antonio Brunori, Secretary General of PEFC Italia. “For these people, the forests are their livelihood, and to have the Giro highlight the good work they are doing to manage them in a sustainable way, is really something very special.”

PEFC-certified forests will be the backdrop for the four Alpine stages in Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Fiuli Venezia Giulia:

• Stage 16 from Ponte di Legno to Val Martello - 139km of high mountains (27 May)
• Stage 17 from Sarnonico to Vittorio Veneto - 208km flat (28 May)
• Stage 18 from Belluno to Rifugio Panarotta Valsugana - 171 km of high mountains (29 May)
• Stage 20 from Maniago to Monte Zoncolan - 167 km of high mountains (31 May)

The commitment of the 2014 Giro for the protection of forests does not stop there. The organizers have committed to only use PEFC-certified paper for the press releases, information bulletins and advertising materials that will be published throughout the race. This agreement guarantees that paper products used at the Giro are from legal and sustainable sources, and supports PEFC-certified product suppliers.