Giro di PEZ: Off Course to Pisticci – Driving Italy’s Hidden Basilicata Roads

In May 2026, Richard Pestes of PEZ Roadsides recounted an unexpected detour through the lesser-known roads of Basilicata, Italy, during the Giro d’Italia. While the race itself follows a well-trodden route, Pestes and his driver Mino ventured off the beaten path near Pisticci, a medieval hill town largely untouched by cycling tourism. Their journey revealed a quieter, more authentic side of Italy’s landscape, far from the media circus of the race caravan, offering a glimpse into the raw and rugged beauty of southern Italy’s backroads. The narrative highlights the challenges and charm of navigating this remote region, where modern conveniences and infrastructure are sparse. The duo encountered a blocked bridge that forced them onto a rough dirt track, slowing their progress but leading to unexpected discoveries. Pestes describes the landscape as arid and desolate, reminiscent of the American west, with abandoned farms and olive groves punctuating the terrain. Despite the difficulties, the detour allowed them to experience the genuine character of Pisticci and its surroundings, including the hospitality and pace of life in a town seemingly frozen in time. A notable aspect of the journey was the dynamic between Pestes and his driver Mino, whose old-school approach to navigation and unique breakfast routine became a running theme. Mino’s reliance on a Nokia GPS, which often conflicted with Pestes’s iPhone, introduced an element of unpredictability to their route. Yet, Mino’s calm confidence and willingness to ask locals for directions underscored the importance of human intuition over technology in unfamiliar terrain. Their partnership exemplified a blend of modern and traditional approaches to travel in Italy’s hidden corners. The experience underscores a broader message about the value of exploration beyond official race routes and tourist hotspots. Pestes’s account suggests that the true spirit of Italian cycling and the country’s cultural essence are found off course, in places like Basilicata where history, landscape, and local life converge without the gloss of commercial cycling events. For enthusiasts and travellers alike, such journeys offer a richer, more immersive encounter with Italy’s diverse regions, encouraging a spirit of adventure and discovery in the world of motorsport and cycling.