2007 Giro Route Revelation: Pippo experiments with hairstyles while Erik Zabel prefers the classic aerodynamic crewcut which he has worn since the Cycling Stone Age (re: before there were carbon bike frames!). (Credit: Cor Vos via Pedalmag.com)

2012 Giro d’Italia, Stage 2: We hope for the swift return of Super Smiley Super Pippo. (Credit: Riccardo Scanferla via Photors.net)

This can/could only happen at the Giro, no? (Credit: Roberto Bettini)

2008 Giro Route Presentation Which Occurred in Late 2007: Hmm, we wonder what Pippo thinks of this hairstyle nowadays… (Credit: AFederico via Pezcyclingnews.com)

Sometime During the 2012 Giro d’Italia: Pippo is prepared to be seen by motorists, pedestrians, and other such matter case of unpredicted solar eclipse due to clothing that glows at all hours of the day. (Credit: LaPresse)

Sometime During the 2012 Giro d’Italia: Was Pippo smiling or smirking? Grinning or grimacing? Or is that his sufferface? Attackface? Only Pippo knows. (Credit:Daniele Bandolato/LaPresse via Sporten.dk)

2012 Giro d’Italia Preparation Festivities: Pippo posed with actress Giorgia Wurth, La Madrina of the Giro, at Giro promotional gala. (Credit: Via 21virages.free.fr)

2012 Giro d’Italia, Stage 4: Pippo prepared to launch Fluo time trial missile. (Credit: The watermark sayeth all)

2012 Giro d’Italia, Stage 10: Are you tired of viewing this Pippovertisement yet? Well, too bad, so sad. We are enjoying the meta of Pippo wearing Pippo products in the name of marketing Pippo mcplacement. (Credit: Pier Maulini via Corbisimages.com)

2012 Giro d’Italia, Stage 10: Pippo always advertises Pippo! (Credit: Riccardo Scanferla via Photors.net)