Today (Monday) is a rest day, which feels strange because we’ve raced only three stages. Typically, the peloton gets its first reprieve from the road the day after Stage 8, which usually falls on the second Monday.

Confused?

It’s because:

• The Grande Partenza kicked off in Albania, followed by Stages 1-3, which took us around the capital of Tirana, traversing the mountains, and skirting the gorgeous coastline.
• Rather than beginning on a Saturday, this Giro started on Friday, to allow three days of racing in Albania before the transfer to Italy.
• Riders, managers, staff members, team buses, and equipment (as well as the officials) must all travel from Tirana to Puglia, Italy (the heel of the Boot) either by air or ferry for Stage 4 – a time-consuming and energy-draining ordeal.

Hence an earlier than normal rest day.

About Stage 4: Alberobello to Lecce (189 kms; flat)

Tuesday will be a day for the sprinters, especially those who found the climbs in Stages 1 and 3 more than they could bear. It was a tough couple of stages for the likes of Sam Bennett and Kaiden Groves, who dropped off the back on both days. I’d expect them to rally on race day, looking to improve their fortunes.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) will start the day in the Maglia Rosa of overall race leader, which he took back from Primoz Roglic (Redbull – Bora Hansgrohe) with the stage victory on Sunday. It could be a propitious day for Wout Van Aert (Jumbo – Leasabike) provided he’s rested and recovered from whatever illness affected him over the weekend.

Sipping Spectator Recommendation: 2023 Tormaresca Furia di Calafuria Rosato IGT Salento (12% abv; $15.99 retail)

Tormaresca has been part of the Antinori family of wineries since 1998, because they believed in Puglia’s potential to produce top-quality wines with a strong regional identity.  It comprises two separate properties: The Bocca di Lupo Estate in the heart of the Castel Del Monte DOC appellation and Masseria Maíme in the Upper Salento. This rosato hails from the former but is labeled IGT Salento because the grape varieties (Negroamaro, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc) are not DOC-approved for rosato wines.

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale copper; slightly pinker and paler at the rim.

Nose: A bouquet of red fruit: strawberry, cherry, Red Heaven peach; a saline quality; high notes of pink grapefruit.

Palate: High acidity, with a mix of pink citrus (grapefruit), peach; orange rind (especially on the finish); a squirt of Meyer lemon. The long finish has hints of cherry-lime, pink grapefruit zest, red peaches and almond. A real pleasure to drink, and a fine accompaniment to the chicken I served.

Pairing

Monday night, the Knicks are in town balling against the Celtics in the NBA playoffs: I need a delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare. Tonight, I went with a prepped, spatchcocked Peruvian-spiced bird from Fresh Direct – one of our perennial favorites. It didn’t disappoint. IYKYK!

Also, a gem lettuce salad dressed in a honey citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for dinner in front of the TV.

Enjoy Stage 4, the beautiful scenery of Puglia, and a nice glass of local rosato. I’ll be back with a guide to Wednesday’s Stage 5.