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Experience cycling history May 2009 as the Italy celebrates 100 years of the lands most famous annual sporting event – Giro d’Italia. This 10 day itinerary captures the best of Italian cycling. Beginning on the picture postcard shores of Lake Como, we follow the event as it moves high into the Italian Alps, and then down to the Mediterranean waters and coastal splendour of the Italian Riviera.
Along the way we discover more than a great cycling event, but place’s steeped in history and nature, traditional towns and villages, stunning mountainous geography, fine Italian food and wine, and of course great riding and fun. It is Italian cycling and culture at its best.
Giro d’Italia
This multistage cycling race is Italy’s biggest annual sporting event. Appropriately referred to as the ‘feast of May’ by locals, it is recognized after Le Tour de France as the cycling worlds second most important Grand Tour. For spectator passion and spectacular scenery it is arguably number 1, but please don’t say that to a Frenchman!!
2009 – 100 years of the Giro
Italians have a deserved reputation for knowing how to celebrate. In 2009 it will be 100 years since the first running of the Giro d’Italia. Those experiencing the milestone event will certainly discover why it is affectionately labelled by Italians as the ‘feast of May’.
The Rides
The trip will feature guided rides in Italy’s best riding destinations. Specifically we experience the back-roads and hills of the central lakes district (Lake Como), the awe-inspiring Italian Alps, and visually dramatic Cinque Terre region. As with the Giro you will encounter the diversity of terrain and environments that make Italy such a desirable destination to ride. Importantly riders will be supported and flexibility given for those participants that want to ride a little more or a little less.
Day 1: Thursday 14th May - Arrival Cernobbio – Lake Como
Arrive independently at Cernobbio (Lake Como) hotel accommodation. Upon arrival at hotel you will meet the trip host who will assist you with any initial travel needs.
Lake Como is arguably Italy’s most beautiful lake and for many a visitor the country’s best location.
On our initial night we are treated to a welcome dinner featuring local specialities and wines as well as wonderful views over Como.
Accommodation:
Meals: D
Day 2: Friday 15th May - Tour of the 3 Lakes Ride: 110km or 55km (option)
Following breakfast we experience our first trip ride, a wonderful flat roll taking in the enchanting surrounds of Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Lake Maggiore. Wedged between the lower ranges of the Alps the central lakes area is truly one of Italy’s best riding destinations, so much so that for some time it was Lance Armstrong’s Italian riding base.
Meals: B; D
Day 3: Saturday 16th May - Giro stage 7 and Ancient Villa Ride: 60km
Today’s highlight is the arrival of the Giro as it moves into the area of Como. We commence our day with a relaxed morning ride along the lakes western shore, passing numerous sumptuous ancient villa’s that so much characterise and define the landscape.
The rest of the day is dedicated to capturing the best of the Giro action and atmosphere.
Meals: B
Day 4: Sunday 17th May - Madonna del Ghisallo Ride: 75km
In the morning we participate in a classic climb that takes us to the fabled Madonna del Ghisallo church. Significantly the Church is part cycling museum, and its famous hill has been ridden at the Giro d’Italia and Giro di Lombardia.
Following lunch we depart Como for Piedmont, our destination for the next 3 nights. Meals: B; D
Day 5: Monday 18th May - Classic Italian Alps Ride: 60km*
There is a well-deserved scheduled rest day in the Giro today, giving us the opportunity for a full day of exhilarating riding in the dramatic Alps that border Italy and France. We follow the valley roads of Cuneo that led to the high passes of Italy’s legendary Alps. This is challenging terrain, but wonderful, the environs instantly recognisable from the many images of great champions of the past and present struggling against the resistance of nature.
Meals: B; D
Day 6: Tuesday 19th May - Giro stage 9 Cuneo Sestriere (Mountains Stage)
Today is dedicated to witnessing the best of Giro Stage 9 as the race moves from our base of Cuneo into the nearby Alps. With our previous day’s riding experience fresh in our memory (and legs not quite as fresh!!), we can only watch with awe as the pro’s step up to one of the race’s most demanding and much anticipated stages.
No scheduled riding today to assist recovery after yesterday’s Alp riding excursion.
Meals: B; D
DAY 7: Wednesday 20th May - Barolo Wine Country Ride: 55km
No journey into Piedmont can be complete without a side-trip into the wine country of the Barolo – Italy’s best northern red wine and for many Italy’s ‘King of Wines’. An area of timeless beauty with its steep vineyard covered hills, ancient stone villages, and medieval castles; it is a territory that makes for the most satisfying of riding.
Following our morning of riding we enjoy lunch in a Barolo wine estate before transferring to our final trip destination – the Italian Riviera. Here we stay for 4 nights in a in a sea-side village on the magical Gulf of Poets.
Meals: B; L
DAY 8: Thursday 21st May - Giro Stage 11 (Time-Trial Stage) and Montemarcello-Magra Ride: 45km
Today Giro Stage 11 comes to the Italian Riviera with an exciting TT finishing on the ancient Cinque Terre fishing village of Riomaggiore. Situated in some of Italy’s most extraordinary countryside it promises to be a highlight stage of the centenary year event.
In the morning we will ride a scenic loop of Montemarcello-Magra Nature Park, a protected area of rare beauty and popular local cycling location. In particular the ride moves high over the sea offering outstanding panoramas and giving further reason to appreciate why so many have been vulnerable to its enchantment and charm of the Gulf of Poets.
Meals: B
DAY 9: Friday 22nd May - Giro Stage 12 and Cinque Terre Ride: 80km or 40km (Option)
The Giro now leaves the Italian Riviera, moving into rolling hills of Tuscany. We view the stage departure, tasting the local passion that makes this Italy’s biggest annual sporting event.
The day also includes our participation in one of Italy’s best coastal rides; the World Heritage listed Cinque Terre. The steep, undulating terraced terrain – with the Apennines in places standing right next to the sea – make for extraordinary riding and experience.
On our final evening we come together to say good-bye to the Giro and our Italian cycling fun with a dinner a local specialities and regional wines.
Meals: B; D
DAY 10: Saturday 23rd May - Departure/ End of Trip
Following breakfast a departure transfer to nearby Le Spezia station – providing direct line to either Milan or Rome.
Meals: B
This tour is based on a minimum of 8 participants
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