GIRO D’ITALIA

DAY 2 – SATURDAY, 25 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7am
Depart hotel: 7:45am Ride start: 9:30am
Distance: 45km | 80km Climbing: 1600m | 2300m
Race: Stage 14, Saint-Vincent – Courmayeur, 131 km
Accommodation:  Lecco

About our day:  

Drive to Como on Lake Como, ride from the village of Como to Nesso then up the 13km climb to Sormano, onto to Ghisallo and see the Madonna Ghisallo Chapel and Museum, ride or drive to Lecco. Stay Lake Lecco (Near Como).

A special day today, we depart our hotel and travel along beautiful Lake Como by vehicle, then begin our ride with a small tour of the town.

There are many places in the world that boast to be the spiritual home of cycling: the twenty-one hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, the pavé of the Arenberg Forest, and the Muur van Geraardsbergen among them. Nothing though, can really claim the spiritual tag like the small chapel that sits at the top of Madonna del Ghisallo.

Being an almost permanent fixture on the percorso of the Giro di Lombardia – as well as featuring regularly in the course of the Giro d’Italia – has kept the chapel in the forefront of the cycling world over the years and a collection of cycling memorabilia that would be the envy of any museum has accumulated inside. The walls of the tiny chapel are almost covered in pennants of cycling clubs from all over the world, jerseys from champions of the recent and distant past, and most prominently, a selection of bikes that have made history.

Partly because the collection of cycling artefacts accumulated was becoming far too big for the small chapel, a purpose-built Museo di Ciclismo has been created nearby on the mountaintop. In contrast to the traditional style of the chapel of the Madonna, the ultra-modern museum building is cut into the very side of the mountain itself – its massive plate glass windows affording breathtaking views of the Lombardia hills and the Lago di Lecco below.

Non-cycling options:

We will go with the riders to Como for a quick look and then onto Madonna del Ghisallo for a few hours of sightseeing and then onto Lecco and our hotel for the night.

Our Ride:  

Ride Start: 9:30am

Distance: 45km | 80km • Climbing: 1600m | 2300m

Our 80km – 2250m climbing Ride starts on arrival at Como. Our alternate ride options commence at various points along this route, talk with us to discuss your preferred option.

We’ll leave Como and head along the shores of the famous Lake Como, we leave the lake behind and climb 13km to Sormano

From Sormano it’s a short sharp descent, then uphill to the famous chapel at Madonna del Ghisallo. It’s a great little climb with tight switchbacks until we get onto the ridge and onto Madonna del Ghisallo where we will stop.

We’ll spend some time at the Madonna Ghisallo Chapel and Museum to have a look at all the magnificent cycling artefacts and history. Those cycling back to our hotel will head off first, the choice is yours to either continue onto our hotel in Lecco by bike or vehicle.  We spend the next two nights in Lecco, today we’ll catch the end of the race live on TV, it’ll be a great finish today.

 Giro Race: Stage 13, Pinerolo – Ceresole Reale, 188 km

This is a very short stage (131 km) featuring 5 categorised summits and a remarkable elevation gain (4,000 m) compared to the route length. The course takes in climbs up Verrayes, Verrogne, Truc d’Arbe (Combes) and Colle San Carlo, before the summit finish in Courmayeur. The ascents are long, steep and unrelenting, except for maybe when the route cuts across Aosta. The stage, therefore, is very intense and demanding.

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: Aperol Spritz today, it’s the drink of summer in Italy – the Prosecco “Sparkling Italian Wine” is scientifically proven to improve your performance on the bike, you’ll be flying on the bike tomorrow.

Dinner: Free Program, let us know your preferred dining style, food types and we’ll point you in the right direction, Lecco has a vast array of eateries, bars and restaurants.

 Accommodation:

Lecco on the shores of Lake Como

DAY 3 – SUNDAY, 26 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7am
Non Cycling Option: Departs 7.45am
Ride start: 8am
Distance: 30km | 55km | 85km Climbing: 1200m | 1950m | 2600m
Race: Stage 15, Ivrea – Como, 237 km
Accommodation:  Lecco

About our day:  

Today is our first viewing of the Giro for 2019. It’s exciting to see a big race up front for the first time. There’s a treat we can’t always offer, but thanks to our proximity to the race route we will be able to hop on the race route near our hotel and follow it to Bellagio, we’ll pause for a coffee and a look at this stunning little village that sits on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Como.

From here we will continue on the race route up the beautiful but challenging climb to Ghisallo before dropping down to Asso to see the race pass through. Once we have seen the race pass by we will ride up the hill towards Ghisallo and see it pass again. After we see the race you can either jump back on the bike or take the vehicle back to the hotel in time for a quick shower and an aperitivo before dinner.

Non-cycling options:

We will head off to visit Bellagio early this morning before they close the road and then pop back to Asso to see the race pass before heading back to Lecco. Hopefully we can spend a little time in Bellagio wandering the streets.

Our Ride:  

Ride Start: 9:30am

Distance: 30km | 55km | 85km • Climbing: 1200m | 1950m | 2600m

It’s a challenging 85km ride with over 2500m of climbing if you ride the full route today, so be prepared for a longish day in the saddle with plenty of race viewing. Our shorter version rides still see the race but reduce the amount of Km’s and climbing. We’ll talk over the options that suit you best.

We will leave Lecco soon after breakfast and follow the race route near our hotel and follow it to Bellagio for a coffee and a quick look at this stunning little village that sits on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Como.

From Bellagio  we will continue on the race route up the beautiful but challenging little climb to Ghisallo before dropping down to Asso to see the race pass through. Once we have seen the race pass by we will ride up the hill towards Ghisallo and see it pass again a little later. After we see the race, we head back to Lecco by bike or in the vehicle from Asso the same direction we went yesterday.

 Giro Race: Stage 15, Ivrea – Como, 237 km

After traveling across the northern Po Plain, the route goes back onto the recent “historical” course of the Giro di Lombardia in Asso. The route (237 km, the longest Giro stage) takes in climbs up Ghisallo, Colma di Sormano (but not the wall), Civiglio and San Fermo. This is a tough stage, which may be even suited to Classics climbing specialists.

 Après Bike:

Dinner: Free Program, let us know your preferred dining style, food types and we’ll point you in the right direction, Lecco has a vast array of eateries, bars and restaurants.

 Accommodation:

Lecco on the shores of Lake Como

DAY 4 – MONDAY, 27 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Depart hotel: 7:45am
Ride start: 9:30am
Our Rides: 50km | 45km | 95km  Climbing: 1950m | 1350m | 3300m
Race: Rest Day
Dinner: 7.30pm Meet Hotel Lobby.
Accommodation: Bormio

About our day:  

Today we will take the opportunity with the rest day of the Giro d’Italia to do a ride that can be only described as massive.

Firstly though we will leave our hotel in Lecco soon after breakfast and drive to the small town of Tirano in the Valtellina valley at the base of the massive Italian Alps that create the borders between Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

From Tirano we will head up the valley to Mazzo where we will begin the climb of the famous Mortirolo. The Mortirolo is considered to be one of the toughest climbs in Italy and many professionals consider it as the most difficult mountain to be climbed in any of the three major tours. Lucho Herrera (1991) referred to Mortirolo as being the “Queen climb of Europe” and Lance Armstrong referred to it as the hardest climb he’d ever ridden. So today is your chance to add your name to the list of people who have climbed it.

From here we head up to Ponte di Legno, a good opportunity for a lunch stop to refuel before we head off onto our second challenge, the Passo Gavia. The most famous of many days on the Gavia is when Andy Hampsten rode in the Maglia Rosa in a blizzard on the Gavia. Now that was truly epic! It’s worth looking up on the internet.

Non-cycling options:

Today we have two great options, choices, choices, choices. (It also makes a great day for riders to take a day off the bike and freshen up the legs before tackling the Stelvio tomorrow).

The Bernina Express Train Day Trip, Tirano to St Moritz – or a Scenic Day Trip, Drive over the Passo Mortirolo and Passo Gavia on to Bormio to our Hotel.

More about The Bernina Express Railway: (tickets are an optional non-inclusion)

The Bernina Express return train journey to St Moritz is one of the great train journeys in the world, it’s all about the journey and one of the most spectacular ways to cross the Alps, it winds its way gently through splendid Alpine scenery.

On the highest railway across the Alps, the Bernina Express climbs up to glistening glaciers and blends alpine landscapes. The train from Tirano to St Moritz negotiates some of the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and inclines of up to 70 per mille with ease. Once in St Moritz you’ll have a few hours to explore, take some lunch before catching the return train back down to Tirano.

Visitors can delight in the cultural and natural surroundings and enjoy the Alps at their most impressive. The railway line from  Tirano – St Moritz has UNESCO World Heritage status. Thanks to modern carriages, you will enjoy views of the unspoilt Alpine panorama.
The Bernina Express departs Tirano around 10.00am, arrives in St Moritz at 12.30 pm. The return journey departs St Moritz at around 3pm and arrives back in Tirano at 5.30 pm where we will collect you and drive up to our Hotel in Bormio.

More about The Passo Mortirolo – Gavia Day Trip:

We will take a similar route to the riders and take the long but stunning way to Bormio. We’ll go over the Passo Mortirolo, pause for lunch and explore the village of Ponte di Legno, then head up over the Passo Gavia, you’ll get to really enjoy the mountain scenery of this beautiful area. Once we have seen the riders over the Gavia we will head down through the mountains and villages to Bormio and onto our Hotel.

Our Rides:  

Ride Start: 9:30am

Distance: 50km | 45km | 95km  • Climbing:  1950m | 1350m | 3300m

We will be riding the two final climbs of tomorrow’s race stage but in a different order.

5okm: Our ride starts from Tirano where we will head up the valley for a short 10km warm up to Mazzo, where we will begin the climb of the famous Passo Mortirolo.

Starting from Mazzo, the Mortirolo ascent is 12.4 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1300 metres in altitude with an average percentage of 10.5% and a maximum of 18%, yes it’s steep.
We descend the Mortirolo and head up the valley (yes up) climbing 400 metres over the next 15 kms until we reach Ponte di Legno, a good opportunity for a lunch stop before we head off onto our second challenge.

45km (95km Combined): The Passo Gavia we start this ride in Ponte di Legno . You can choose to skip the ride up the Mortirolo and start your ride from Ponte di Legno, to ride the Passo Gavia to Bormio, the ascent is 17.3 km long. You will climb 1363m at an average of 7.9% with a maximum slope of 16%.

From the top of the Gavia it’s approximately 27km mostly downhill to our hotel in Bormio where you’ll enjoy a nice hot shower and a hearty three course dinner at our Hotel.

 Giro Race: It’s a Rest Day in the Giro today

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: After a long day in the saddle a traditional Birra Moretti slakes the thirst like no other, the magical hops of Moretti will revive your legs in time for the Stelvio tomorrow.

Dinner: Three course Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

 Accommodation:

Bormio

DAY 5 – TUESDAY, 28 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Ride start: 8am
Distance: 50km | 95km Climbing: 1600m | 2800m
Race: Stage 16, Lovere – Ponte di Legno , 226 km
Dinner: 7.30pm Meet Hotel Lobby.
Accommodation: Bormio

About our day:  

This morning we will be away from the hotel early. Hopefully, you have something left in your legs after yesterday! We are off to climb the Stelvio, one of the highest climbs in Europe.

Bordering Switzerland at an elevation of 2,757 m (9,045 ft) above sea level it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, 13 m below France’s Col de l’Iseran (2,770 m).

This afternoon we will have a front row seat as we watch the race through the streets of Bormio. In fact, the race will pass by the hotel door, so you won’t need to go too far. The riders will have ridden the Passo della Presolana,  the Croce di Salven and the Passo Gavia by then so it’s sure to be spread out by many minutes with a likely break of opportunists, followed by the GC contenders and later by the grupetto of domestiques and sprinters who have either done their job or have no interest in riding full gas up the mountains!

Non-cycling options:

Plenty of options again this morning depending on your interests. Take a relaxing morning at the hotel –  visit Bormio’s thermal spa’s – explore the old center of Bormio with a Gelato in hand – or take a trip up the Stelvio, but in the comfort of our van stopping to offer some sustenance – encouragement to our riders, be on the lookout for the cheeky marmottes in the higher plain grass areas enroute to the top, get a selfie in front of the Passo Stelvio Sign, enjoy a hot chocolate and a spot of gift shopping from the Chalets at the top of Stelvio. Return down the Stelvio to Bormio to see the Giro race as it passes through our town Bormio.

Our Rides:

Ride Start: 8.00am

Distance: 50km | 90km  • Climbing:  1600m | 2800m

Plus Optional Extra’s: Mini Stelvio/Torre Fraele/Lago Cancano loop 45km -1200m

Ride Start: 8am

This morning we will be away from the hotel early to climb the Stelvio, one of the most well known cycling roads in the world and one of the highest climbs in Europe.

The Passo dello Stelvio ascent is 21.5 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1533 metres at an average of 7.1%. It’s not the hardest climb you will ever do but it’s relentless, especially if you did yesterdays hard ride – you’ll be riding into thin air and riding through the iconic walls of snow on the sides of the road near the top of the pass, it’s a special day.

You won’t be short of company on the ride up or at the little village with Chalets at the top of the pass. The climb will be busy with cyclists today. You’ll have time for a selfie in front of the Passo Bormio sign, then put on some warm layers for the descent.

Everything that goes up must come down and it is the same for us as we descend back to Bormio, carefully make your way down this beautiful road. 3km down from the top of the Stelvio you may like to take a short 250m side trip to the Swiss Border – It also marks the top of the Swiss side of the Stelvio – The Umbrail Pass.

Back on the Stelvio descent, pause often to take it all in, enjoy this amazing place as there are some incredible uninterrupted vista’s, landscapes and photos to be had in this unique remote area. we encourage everyone to not “race” down the descent and really absorb its beauty, you won’t see anything else like it in Italy.

We’ll be back in time to see the race on the base of the Gavia or from the comfort of Bormio as it approaches. If you’re in Bormio we’ll watch it live on TV, the excitement will be electric today in the village, the locals will be out in force, we’ll step out to see the promotional caravan pass, then again to watch the race through the streets of Bormio.

We’ll watch the race finish live on TV from a local bar or relaxing back at our hotel. It’s going to be an amazing day of riding and race watching, this incredibly tough Giro stage will see the race leader – perhaps race winner emerge from the GC contenders.

or Alternatively if you feel like a few optional extra’s today – you’ll probably miss the Giro race pass through Bormio, but see the finish on TV – We have a favourite, little secret climb for you to do, it’s unguided – we’ll point you in the right direction and you’ll have it on your prefered bike navigation device.

You can head back out on the road towards the Stelvio, then onto the Climb to the Torre Fraele, it’s a beautiful climb of about 15km with incredible switchbacks leading up to an old fort. From the top the views down over the valley and the unique road you just cycled up are amazing. At the top of the climb – the loop of Lago Cancano is optional – it’s mostly good gravel road, either way you’ll descend back down to Bormio on the same road you cycled up on so navigation is good.

 Giro Race: Stage 16, Lovere – Ponte di Legno , 226 km

A queen stage across the Alps with a 5,700 m elevation gain over 226 km. The route takes in climbs up Passo della Presolana, Croce di Salven, Passo Gavia (Cima Coppi) and Passo del Mortirolo (along the legendary Mazzo di Valtellina side). A demanding, leg-sapping stage that will widen the gap even among GC contenders.

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: Celebration is in order after a day on the Stelvio and the excitement of the Queens Stage of the Giro, Italy’s famous sparkling wine, Prosecco will be the perfect tonic.

Dinner: A hearty three course dinner is supplied tonight at our hotel, there’ll be plenty of local dishes on the menu.

 Accommodation:

Bormio

DAY 6 – WEDNESDAY, 29 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Depart hotel: 7:30am Ride start: 12.30pm
Distance: 45km | 65km Climbing: 1100m
Race: Stage 17, Commezzadura – Anterselva/Antholz, 180 km
Dinner: 7.30pm – Meet in hotel lobby/bar at 7.20pm
Accommodation: Val di Fassa

About our day:  

This morning we are going to experience a Giro race start, it’s in Commezzadura.

It’s approximately a three-hour drive to get to Commezzadura, so we will leave our Hotel straight after breakfast and get to the start in time to have morning Tea, soak up the atmosphere before the race start.

Race starts are a great way to experience the Giro and see the riders up close, relaxed and get a few selfies or just wander around checking out the massive logistics that go into running a World Tour Cycling Team at a Grand Tour.

The Giro is a little more relaxed than the Tour de France (we like it), so you may be able to wander amongst the buses and team cars, chat to the riders and staff. Every day the starts are like a festival coming to the small towns making for an amazing atmosphere. Especially in Italy where they go mad with everything Pink!

After we’ve enjoyed the fun and festivities at the race start and the race has left town, we will follow them along the Giro race route to the top of the  Passo Della Mendola about 45kms away.

Once we arrive at our ride finish it will be into our vehicles for our final transfer of the day to our hotel in the Dolomites. It will be a longish day as we make the leap across to the Dolomites. The roads are generally smaller, there are big mountains to cross into the Dolomites, the Fassa Valley will be our base for the next few nights.

Upon arrival to our Chalet Hotel this evening, we’ll have time to check into our rooms, freshen up and then head straight into dinner at our family run Chalet hotel.

Non-cycling options:

After our morning transfer through the mountains, we arrive in Commezzadura for the Giro d’Italia race start, we’ll enjoy a stroll through the town, explore this small mountain village that lies deep in the Trentino region.  The fun and atmosphere of a Giro d’Italia stage start is infectious, you’ll get to experience the passion Italy is famous for first hand.
After the race departs we can linger a little longer, then we’ll follow a route similar to the cyclists and meet them at the completion of their ride. Late afternoon we transfer deep into the Italian Alps to the stunning Dolomites mountains and onto our family owned and newly renovated chalet hotel for dinner.

Our Rides:

Ride Start: 12.30pm

Distance: 45km | 65km • Climbing:  1100m

After we’ve enjoyed the race start we will follow the race route, It’s a steady downhill at first before we start to go up again, then at Brez at about 30km in we start on the actual climb.

The Passo della Mendola (Mendelpass) starts from Brez and is 14 km long. Over this distance, you climb 539 metres in altitude, with an average of 3.8%. So not too difficult. It’s an active recovery day combined with our transfer to the Dolomites, so we don’t want to spend too many hours on the bike – the swifter riders in the group will descend to St Michele from the Mendelpass, while the remainder of the group will take the vehicle down from the top of the pass so we can crack into our transfer to the Dolomites and our Chalet Hotel.

 Giro Race: Stage 17, Commezzadura – Anterselva/Antholz, 180 km

After the start, the route descends slightly along the Val di Sole, up to Passo della Mendola (Mendel Pass). The course drops down into Bolzano, climbs up the Eisack Valley, rolls past Bressanone and then reaches the Puster Valley. The stage course takes in climbs up Natz and Terenten, before the long, closing ascent leading to Antholz (Biathlon stadium).

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: Aperol Spritz, the orange base flavour notes should keep the scurvy at bay for the remainder of tour.

Dinner: Enjoy a hearty three course Italian mountain style dinner, in our fourth generation family run Chalet Hotel in the heart of Dolomites. Dinner is included tonight.

 Accommodation:

Val di Fassa, Trento / Dolomites

DAY 7 – THURSDAY 30, MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Ride start: 8:00am
Distance: Sella Ronda Loop 55km – Ride Sella Ronda loop from/back to the Hotel 95km
Climbing: Sella Ronda Loop 1700m – Sella Ronda Loop plus To/From the Hotel 2450m
Race: Stage 18, Valdora/Olang – Santa Maria di Sala, 220 km
Dinner: 7.30pm – Meet in hotel lobby/bar at 7.20pm
Accommodation: Val di Fassa

About our day:  

We will leave the hotel by bike or in the vehicle this morning depending on your ride choice, you’re in for an amazing day on the Sella Ronda Loop, you’ll ride in the heart of the jaw-droppingly stunning Dolomite Mountains.

The Sella Ronda loop is an absolute classic cycling route famous around the world, we are happy to talk it up as it’s one of the best rides you can do, it’s much quieter in May and the best time of year to ride it while the Giro is on, as it’s early in the season. The loop itself traverses four famous mountain passes through scenery that genuinely deserves the word ‘dramatic’ as the bulk of the Piz Boè looms above you.

These passes were the scene of some of the most famous battles in Italian cycling and at the Passo Pordoi there’s a monument to Fausto Coppi and another that commemorates the winners of the Cima Coppi (the first person over the highest point in each Giro d’Italia).

Please stop regularly, soak it up, enjoy and take lots of photos, it’s a day you will remember fondly for years to come.

After the Sella Ronda we will return to the hotel by bike or vehicle in time to watch the sprinters battle it out for the stage win on a flatter stage – or will a breakaway hold off to take the stage win.

Non-cycling options:

After our transfer day yesterday, you can choose to relax and unwind at our Spa hotel, enjoy the beautiful spa and the immediate surrounds, or join the group and take a drive around the Sella Ronda Loop, we’ll pause at the top of the pass’s for photo’s, drink hot chocolate, pass out some snacks – encouragement to our riders and take lunch in one of the mountain top chalets.

From a bike or a vehicle, this is one of the most spectacular drives/place’s you’ll likely ever visit, bring your camera you’ll take lots of photo’s today.

Our Ride:

Ride Start: 8am

Distance: 55km | 75km | 95km • Climbing:  1700m | 1770m | 2450m

Optional: Double Sella Ronda Loop 150km / 4150m

We will leave the hotel by bike or in the vehicle this morning for an amazing day out on the Sella Ronda.

Our longer route of 95km will leave our Hotel on the bike and travel through Canazei where we will start our ascent of the Passo Pordoi. About halfway up the Passo Pordoi we turn right onto the Sella Ronda circuit. This is where our 55km Sella Ronda Loop group will start, the 55km route is a great option to ensure you achieve the Sella Ronda Loop first and foremost, you can always cycle back the additional 20km to the hotel after you’ve completed the loop if your energy levels are still good for a total of 75km.

The longer 95km ride will climb almost 2500m and the shorter ride will do about 1700m.

None of the climbs are particularly long or very steep and the total amount of climbing is quite manageable as it’s broken up into four stages, you have all day to complete the ride so you can take your time and break the ride up with multiple stops, you’ll be so distracted by the incredible scenery you’ll hardly notice you are climbing.

The four passes are:

• Passo Pordoi (2239m)
• Passo di Campolongo (1875m)
• Passo di Gardena (Grodnerjoch) (2121m)
• Passo di Sella (2213)

You’ll see we have included a double loop of the Sella Ronda as an option. It’s a great way for those that really want to clock up some big vertical meters to do the Sella loop in a anti-clockwise and then clockwise direction, then cycle back to the hotel. The second 55km loop will be a self guided / self sufficient tour, navigation is pretty good on the loop, you’ll have just done it in the other direction so you’ll have a good idea of how it works, plus you’ll be handy with your GPS device. We’ll have dinner and a massive beer ready for your arrival at the hotel.

 Giro Race: Stage 18, Valdora/Olang – Santa Maria di Sala, 220 km

The stage route runs flat or downhill through Cortina d’Ampezzo, Longarone, Alpago, Vittorio Veneto, Conegliano and Noale, all the way to the final sprint in Santa Maria di Sala.

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: After a day our on the Sella Ronda Loop you’ll need some fine mountain sparkling water to start off proceedings, quickly followed by the hotels beer on tap – in Italian “Birra alla Spina”.

Dinner: Another hearty Italian mountain style Dinner is Included tonight at our hotel.

 Accommodation:

Val di Fassa, Trento / Dolomites

DAY 8 – FRIDAY, 31 MAY 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Ride start: 8.30am
Distance: 50km | 80km | 100km  Climbing: 1060m | 2400m | 2900m
Race: Stage 19, Treviso – San Martino di Castrozza, 151 km
Dinner: 7.30pm – Meet in hotel lobby/bar at 7.20pm
Accommodation: Val di Fassa

About our day:  

An epic ride through the Dolomites as we traverse east, then head south as we take on no less than three climbs in our 100 km ride, we’ll climb almost 3000m. Our ultimate destination to the south will be San Martino di Castrozzasee to see the Giro d’Italia stage finish.

It will be an interesting day at the Giro as the route doesn’t favour a pure climber, so expect to see a surprise winner.

Non-cycling options:

We will travel along the same route through the Dolomitesas as the riders, we’ll arrive in plenty of time to see the race finish at San Martino di Castrozza.

Our Rides:

Ride Start: 8.30am

Distance: 55km | 80km | 100km  • Climbing:  1050m | 2400m | 2900m

55km, 80km and 100km rides will leave from the hotel after breakfast this morning for an epic ride through the Dolomites, today’s ride is equally as stunning as yesterday’s Sella Ronda loop.

Today you can take on one climb or all three climbs it’s up to you, we’ll cover nearly 100 km on this ride and climb almost 3000m as we make our way to San Martino di Castrozza see the Giro d’Italia stage finish.

First up on the menu is the Passo Fedaia (1440m), it starts from Canazei and climbs 13.9 km to the summit. We climb 617m in altitude and the average is 4.4%, it’s a nice manageable climb for us to warm up on. Once at the summit, we pass by the high mountain lake and under the shadow of the Dolomites highest mountain the impressive Marmolada which stands at 3343m – 10,968ft.

From the top of the Fedai Pass we cross from the Trentino – South Tyrol region into the region of Veneto, we then descend off the mountain and down along the river valley for almost 30 km.

The 55km ride will finish at Cencenighe Agordino before we start to climb again.

Next up on the 80km and 100km rides we are going uphill for almost 20km including the Passo Valles (1395m), which climbs from Falcade Alto and continues for 7.3 km. It’s similar in altitude to what we climbed to the Fedaia, with 638 m of ascent, but at a steeper average of 8.7%. The 80km ride will finish at the start of the Passo Rolle.

The 100km Ride: Our final climb of the day is the Passo Rolle (1973m). Luckily we will intersect it about 7 km from the top but we have the hardest part of the climb with an average gradient of 6% and a maximum of 12%.

The views from the top of the Passo Rollo are beautiful, we’ll pause to admire the beauty of the Dolomites, then it’s downhill for around 10km to San Martino di Castrozza and the Giro d’Italia race finish at around 5pm. After the race finishes, we’ll transfer by vehicle back to our hotel – approximately 1 hour.

 Giro Race: Stage 19, Treviso – San Martino di Castrozza, 151 km

A short stage with a summit finish. The profile is wavy, but not too harsh in the first part. The route comes up from the south today and takes in the climbs up Montello and Passo San Boldo, before the final ascent to San Martino di Castrozza. The summit finish has a mild gradient, favouring rouleurs-climbers.

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: It’s high time we sampled some of the great local red, white and rose wines, the antioxidants in the wine should flush the free-radicals from your system before tomorrow’s ride.

Dinner: Dinner is included at our hotel tonight, a mini celebration may be in order tonight after a fantastic stage in the mountains for us and the Giro, it’s also our last night in the Dolomites.

 Accommodation:

Val di Fassa

DAY 9 – SATURDAY, 1 JUNE 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Depart hotel: 8.30am
Ride start: 8.30am
Distance: 30km | 65km  Climbing: 150m | 1400m
Race: Stage 20, Feltre – Croce d’Aune/Monte Avena, 193 km
Transfer: After race pass, approx 2 hours to Verona
Dinner: 7.30pm Final group dinner
Accommodation: Verona old town

About our day:  

This morning we depart our Dolomites base and head south down the Fassa Valley to Molina, here we’ll watch the race live on TV from a local bar or a town party area, we’ll see the Giro d’Italia come through after it has passed over the second climb for the day, the Passo Manghem.

The race will come through Molina around 2pm, it’ll be our fifth Giro d’Italia viewing day and the all-important Queens Stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia, today’s decisive race stage boasts an incredible 5000m of climbing over the 193km route.

Straight after we’ve seen the race pass through Molina, we’ll quickly mount up in our vehicles for the 2hr Drive to Verona,  it’s our new base for the next two nights. Because of the value and importance of its many historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Verona’s arena which is home to tomorrow’s final Giro d’Italia Time Trial.

Late today we’ll endeavour to watch the Giro stage finish on TV either from our hotel bar.

Non-cycling options:

This morning we’ll transfer down the valley to Molina and get set up for a day at the Giro. We’ll explore the local village by foot and enjoy the festivities and party atmosphere of the final Saturday of this year’s Giro d’Italia.

It’ll be an exciting day to be in Italy and watch the locals decorate the villages in a sea of pink. We’ll watch the race approach live on TV and then watch the race pass by, it’s sure to be a super fun and exciting day.

Our Ride:

Ride Start: 8.30am

Distance: 30km | 65km  • Climbing:  150m | 1400m

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart our Dolomites hotel by bike for a nice ride down the valley. We’ll follow the bikeway that interconnects all the small villages in the Fassa Valley, the bikeway is predominantly downhill as it follows the Avisio river valley south toward Molina. We’ll be surrounded by the massive Dolomites peaks as we pedal down the valley.

Our short ride stops at Molina, while the long ride continues on and up the tough Passo Manghen climb. We encourage everyone to have a go at the climb as you can turn around when you’ve had enough and descend back to the village and our waiting vehicles.

We are going against the race direction this morning, so we’ll need to be on the climb early to ascend the Passo Manghen. It’s a beautiful 16.4 km climb with a small single road in parts. Over this distance you’ll climb 1229 meters with an average is 7.5% gradient. The panoramic views from the top will make all the hard work worthwhile.

After we’ve summited the Passo Manghen, we’ll come down off the pass in the same direction we climbed up. From the base we’ll enjoy the race live on TV and get some great photos as the race comes through town.

 Giro Race: Stage 20, Feltre – Croce d’Aune/Monte Avena, 193 km

A queen stage across the Dolomites, with over 5,000 m elevation gain. The route takes in climbs up Cima Campo, Passo Manghen and Passo Rolle, and a closing climb up Croce d’Aune-Monte Avena. The stage course covers the historical route of the Gran Fondo Sportful. The last summit finish features long climbs (over 15 km), with gradients exceeding 10-12% at points.

 Après Bike:

Dinner: Our Final Dinner together tonight, so we’ll have our farewell group dinner and drinks – Frock up, Italian’s are always dressed to kill, we’ll meet in the Hotel Lobby/Bar.  NB: We often choose to have our final group dinner on the second last night so that it leaves the final night – tomorrow night free for everyone to enjoy the finish of the Giro d’Italia, in a way that best suits you – it’ll be a big festival, party in and around the Arena and the Verona old town.

 Accommodation:

Verona

DAY 10 – SUNDAY, 2 JUNE 2019

Breakfast: From 7.00am
Ride start: 7:45am
Distance: 20km | 60km Climbing: 300m | 600m
Time Trial Starts: 1.30pm
Race: Stage 21, Verona – Verona, 17 km: ITT
Accommodation: Verona old town

About our day:  

Today is the final day of the 2019 Giro d’Italia, it’s the Individual Time Trial around Verona to see who will be the winner of this years edition of the race. This Time Trial course is definitely not a final day procession, although only 16km in length the course packs enough of a punch that if the podium places are only being separated by a few seconds, there could be a shuffle in the final order by the stronger TT riders.

We’ll get to experience the Time Trial course first hand, we’ll take in a lap of the 17km course, then head out for a short loop into the surrounds of Verona.

We’ll return to our hotel to freshen up, then head out on foot to explore Verona’s sights, over the course of the afternoon we’ll watch the riders finish in the Arena and see this year’s Giro d’Italia champion crowned.

More about Verona:  Two of William Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Verona is famous for its Roman amphitheatre/ Arena, found in the city’s largest piazza, the Piazza Bra. Completed around 30 AD, it is the third largest in Italy after Rome’s Colosseum and the arena at Capua. It measures 139 metres long and 110 metres wide and could seat some 25,000 spectators in its 44 tiers of marble seats.

The ludi (shows and gladiator games) performed within its walls were so famous that they attracted spectators from far beyond the city. The current two-story façade is actually the internal support for the tiers; only a fragment of the original outer perimeter wall in white and pink limestone from Valpolicella, with three stories remains. The interior is very impressive and is virtually intact and has remained in use even today for public events, fairs, theatre and open-aired opera during warm summer nights.

We’ll be there in the Verona Arena to watch the final presentation of the Giro winner, it’s a fantastic ending to a great race. It’ll be our 6th and final Giro Race viewing, what a way to finish!

Non-cycling options:

It’s a perfect chance to take a sleep in and or take a walk through the old town city streets or up to the panoramic viewpoint of Verona from Castel San Pietro. Later in the morning wander out with the group to explore Verona. From 1.30pm onwards watch the pro’s come into the historic Arena.

Alternatively, ask us for some options based on your personal interests, we have some great recommendations for Verona, it’s a lovely city with plenty of, history, charm and character.

Our Ride:

Ride Start: 7:45am

Distance: 20km | 60km  • Climbing:  300m | 600m

This morning we’ll bounce out of the hotel early so we can experience the final Time Trial course first hand. We’ll ride the short distance to the TT start line, then we’ll take in a lap of the TT course before the course is closed off to traffic. The total loop will be approximately 20km, including the 17km TT course.

We then pass by our Hotel, it’s literally next door to the Arena. We’ll drop off riders who are keen to cool their heels for a while, then the remainder of the group will ride a 45km loop out into the surrounds of Verona, we’ll pass by the Castel San Pietro just prior to returning to the Old Town.

 Giro Race: Stage 21, Verona – Verona, 17 km: ITT

Time Trial Starts: 1.30pm.
The closing time trial on the Torricelle circuit. After the first part on wide and straight avenues, the route takes in the Torricelle climb (4.5 km with a 5% gradient and a few punchy bits). The route then descends for 4 km along wide roads, all the way to Piazza Bra and the Verona Arena.

 Après Bike:

Dinner: Late today and tonight are a “Free Program”, so you can enjoy the final part of the 2019 Giro finish and after party in a way that best suits you, without any pressure to be anywhere in particular. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for Verona, so let us know your preferred dining style, food types etc and we’ll point you in the right direction. Verona has a vast array of eateries, bars, restaurants, the town will be bouncing from all the Giro excitement, it’ll be a night to be remembered.

 Accommodation:

Verona