The Giro d’Italia or the Tour of Italy is one of the greatest cycling races in the world; along with the Tour de France and Vuelta a España it forms part of the Triple Crown of Cycling.

Created in 1909, the race was originally designed to boost circulation of the Italian sports newspaper ‘La Gazetto dello Sport’ – to this day the winner wears a pink jersey (Maglia Rosa) to represent the colour of the founding newspaper.

Easy to romanticise by onlookers, the gruelling 21 stage race unravels across a backdrop of glorious Italian landscapes, taking in many of the momentous Dolomite mountain climbs and those of neighbouring countries. Spanning approximately 3500 kilometres, the intensity of the race is enhanced by its unfortunate end date. Riders completing the Giro are expected just one month later to begin the punishing Le Tour de France – this overwhelming prospect often results in a decision to target winning one race and forgoing the other. Riders that complete both races successfully are given extra kudos. Riders that win both races within their careers become heroes. And those that champion both races in the same season, they become legends.

Although the start, the route and the finish point vary from year to year the race is always made up of the same components – Sprint Stages, Mountain Stages and Time Trials. The different stages play out in different ways, with riders excelling in one particular area; it is unusual for a rider to excel in every type of stage and this is why strategy becomes imperative to success.

This year 23 teams made up of 207 international riders will enter the race. Before and during the race each team will work together and decide who has the best chance of winning, the team must then dedicate themselves to helping their leader win.

There are various jerseys to be won throughout the race, the most coveted being the Maglia Rosa - which goes to the stage winner. Following on from the stage winners jersey is the Maglia Rosso Passione, whose name arguably loses some of its charm when translated into English - the red passion knit - this goes to the rider with the highest points overall; points are awarded to riders according to their ranking in each stage. Then there is Maglia Azzura, which goes to the best climber classification and the Maglia Bianca for bright young things (the best young rider).

The overall winner of the race is the competitor with the lowest cumulative time to complete all stages. Coverage of the event usually focuses around a few firm favourites and the battles between arch-rivals can make compelling viewing. Perhaps one of the most famous Giros of all was in 1949, when Italian national heroes Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali pitted against each other for three long weeks across post-war Italy. Coppi took the title then followed it up with a Le Tour win, earning him the nickname the Il Campionissimo – the champion of champions. Strong contenders for this years giro title include 2012 Tour de France winner, Olympic cycling champion and Fred Perry collaborator Bradley Wiggins.

See the latest Fred Perry and Bradley Wiggins Collection here.

British artist Jessie Ware was recently snapped wearing this broderie anglaise shirt from our women's Laurel Wreath Collection by Richard Nicoll, as part of a conversation with i-D Magazine. Since breaking onto the scene with collaborations with acts such as Sampha and Joker as well as a support slot for former school friend Jack Penate, Jessie has been working on solo material that she says will be more soulful and less dub infused.

Jessie Ware shot by Thomas Lohr for i-D Magazine

One of Jessie's former collaborators is SBTRKT - a Fred Perry Subculture favourite and performer at 2011's Dot-to-Dot festival. Known for choosing to remain anonymous and performing behind a tribal mask; SBTRKT produces a unique formula of self-coined 'Future Garage', enjoyed across festivals and dancefloors alike.

Read more about Jessie and her conversation with i-D HERE 

Read Fred Perry Subculture's feature on SBTRKT HERE

Fred Perry are proud to support the Amy Winehouse Foundation; a charity set up by Amy's family and friends to help struggling young people. Since launching in late September last year, the Foundation has helped youngsters up and down the country by raising money and donating to hospices and other worthy causes. With the blessing of Amy's family, we've continued to release the collaborative collection Amy created with Fred Perry, donating all the usual royalties plus a seasonal contribution to the Foundation.

The SS12 Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry Collection has now been released, referencing Amy's love of 50s Americana with the artist's signature gingham check bowling shirts and a unique 'jukebox' print featuring Cadillacs, records and cats-eye sunglasses. Cosmopolitan have used pieces from the collection in their 'Take a Ride with Me' pictorial below, photographed by Mark Andrew and styled by Sairey Stemp:

The fashion world has always had a fascination with Amy's iconic style, and we're happy that the collection Amy was so passionate and dedicated to has been released for her fans to enjoy.

To find out more about the Amy Winehouse Foundation and their work, plus information on how to donate; visit the official website here: www.amywinehousefoundation.org