Large crowds, stunning scenery and – touch wood – even some reasonable weather: the start to this year’s Giro d’Italia has been unforgettable.

Take a look behind the scenes with our exclusive photo gallery from week one of the season’s first Grand Tour.

Stage 9: Avezzano – Naples

Stage 8: Spoleto – Prati di Tivo

Stage 7: Foligno – Perugia (ITT)

Stage 6: Viareggio – Rapolano Terme

Stage 5: Genova – Lucca

Stage 4: Acqui Terme – Andora

Stage 3: Novara – Fossano

Stage 2: San Francesco al Campo – Santuario di Oropa

Stage 1: Venaria Reale – Torino