2011 Giro d'Italia, Stage 1 to Stage 11
The 2011 Giro d'Italia began on 7 May, and stage 11 occurred on 18 May. The 2011 edition commemorated the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. The majority of the race, and the entire first half, was situated entirely within Italy without visiting any other nations. The race commenced with a team time trial, an event where each member of a team starts together racing against the clock. The stage provided for the first two race leaders, members of the winning HTC–Highroad team.
The peloton nearing the finish of stage 2 in Parma.
The majority of the field finished this stage 21 seconds behind the five leaders. None of the riders were aware of Wouter Weylandt's death until the stage had concluded fully.
Race leader David Millar rides alongside Alberto Contador behind the Leopard Trek squad during the neutralized fourth stage.
This stage was the first professional win for Bart De Clercq, a 24-year-old neo-pro.
Alberto Contador Velasco is a Spanish former professional cyclist. He is one of the most successful riders of his era, winning the Tour de France twice, the Giro d'Italia twice, and the Vuelta a España three times. He is one of only seven riders to have won all three Grand Tours of cycling, and one of only two riders to have won all three more than once. He has also won the Vélo d'Or a record 4 times.
Contador at the 2015 Tour de France
Contador with the Liberty Seguros–Würth team in 2006
Contador wearing the yellow jersey during the 19th stage of the 2007 Tour de France.
Contador wearing the pink jersey during the 21st stage of the 2008 Giro d'Italia.
