On the eve of the 96th Giro d’Italia getting underway, the 23 teams that will take part in the three week race were unveiled to fans in the Piazza del Plebiscito.
The main contenders were presented to the public – Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).
Bikes and kit were gleaming, and some manufacturers – Specialized for example – had gone to town to create something special for the nation’s home favourite Vincenzo Nibali.
Nibali's special edition S-Works Tarmac SL4
Also cutting a dash was Paul Smith, who designed this year’s competition jerseys and was clearly enjoying a moment in the sun, giving interviews.
The first stage – a 130km jaunt that finishes on the waterfront overlooking the Bay of Naples, is likely to end in a sprint tomorrow.
Most of the bikes were set up accordingly, with high-profile wheels ready for a fast and furious race that will get the Giro underway.
Vini Fantini-Selle Italia are riding Cipollini bikes that - like the man himself - are quite flamboyant