There are places that we know for their great challenges in the world of sports. Among them are those that take place in the Italian and French Alps. The Alps have provided fame or infamy for cyclists over the past hundred years during the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, two of the most important stage cycling competitions in the world. Cycling fans write the names of their favorite champions on the asphalt, while the champions write the history of our sport. The names of these Alpine mountain passes might be daunting to some. In Italy, they are Stelvio, Mortirolo, Gavia, Colle delle Finestre. And how about Lautaret, Izoard, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux in France. So, putting our flags on top of these passes can provide the biggest prize and a lifetime memory for us dedicated riders. As a living monument to cycling, these mountains pile up more names every season. Names of active cyclists who have won the Tour and Giro are next to legendary ones. Who can forget names like Fausto Coppi, Charly Gaul, Gino Bartali, Louison Bobet, Felice Gimondi, Raymond Poulidor, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond, Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani, Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome. These hall-of-fame names explain why Alps are on the bucket list of committed cyclists from around the world. These are dream roads and dream mountains. And, dreams can become true. Should you be afraid of cycling these challenges? Do you need Froome’s legs to enjoy these special places? Not really, because that’s not the intent of this tour. Will these mountains take you out of your comfort zone? You can be sure they will! But we’re committed to taking you safely and comfortably out of this zone, so you will get only the best out of this tour. This is not a tour for fanatics and it requires a medium fitness level. Detailed briefings, constant contact with our skilled guides, planned food stops are just part of what we have in store for you. Otherwise, our van will always be available for whatever kind of help you may need. Perfect Canyon rental bikes will make for a safe and enjoyable daily riding. The choice of hotels and restaurants has been made with care.
“i’m still that eight-year-old kid who rode up the stelvio. I’m still that kid in my legs, in my head and in my heart.”
July 24 2021
Price from € 3699,00
Bedoine, Provence, France
4 nights at 4-star | 7 nights at 3-star
Supplement for single accommodation € 459 p.p.; bike rental.
Passo Gavia, the final and main climb of the day is very challenging. First, because it is quite long, about 17 km, and because it is 2600m above sea level, where the air is thin. Thin air is no joke, and there is no way to prepare for it. So, to save our legs for this challenge, we will tackle the Mortirolo from its ‘easier’ side, from the little town of Grosio. Then we will climb up to Passo Gavia starting from Ponte di Legno, just like during the 97th Giro d’Italia in 2014, won by the Colombian Nairo Quintana of Movistar Team. Accommodation and dinner at hotel.
Stelvio pass is in the cycling myth since 1953, after a 34 years old Fausto Coppi, was able to grab his last Giro d’Italia, dropping the GC leader, the Swiss Hugo Koblet, in a legendary day. Stelvio climb was on a dirt road at that time, and bikes were not as sophisticated and lightweight as now. Romantic - or heroic - cycling, as they call it.
There’s big debate among cyclists on which side of Stelvio is the nicest: Lombardy side, from Bormio or Trentino side, from Prato allo Stelvio. We don’t want to influence your opinion, so we give you the opportunity to make your own idea. We ride up from Bormio, go all the way down across Switzerland, and up again from Prato allo Stelvio, enjoying all the famous 48 hairpins up top.
This stage can be shortened by van up to Umbrail pass. That way it'd be 80km and 2200m elevation gain.
A day dedicated to watch Giro from the sidelines of one of Europe's hardest climbs: Mortirolo pass. This must-do HC climb is world famous as is very challenging and steep. It’s been included in the Giro in 1990 and it became famous for the legendary stage of 1994 Giro when a very young Marco Pantani dropped his majesty Miguel Indurain, showing the world a new star was born. A monument to the famous Italian climber is at km 8. We get there after a long way down from Bormio to Tirano, then we climb up the Aprica pass so to face Mortirolo from the Monno side. Nearly on top of the climb, we take a break at the rifugio, then we select a good spot to watch the riders.
Best airport to land is Milano Malpensa (MXP): from there we arrange the group transfer. Other options are possible and we can help selecting the best one.
The group departure transfer goes to Marseille airport. We're available to study different arrangements.During the rides we plan at least one longer food stops in the middle of the stage plus one or more coffee stops. In the assistence van we use to bring along bars, gels and water.
We suggest renting a Canyon bike with us. But feel free to take your own bike. Just consider bringing along a selection of model specific spare parts.
The hotel has got a bike room, workshop with tools and bike cleaning facilities.
Bring along a wide selection of clothes, including some full arm jackets, rain coat, leg and arm warmers, overshoes: it's the Alps and the weather is never completely predictable.
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 43
Quartu Sant'Elena, Italy
+39 070 204 10 29
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SP59 to Baia Sardinia
Arzachena, Italy
+39 070 204 10 29
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Via Vittorio Emanuele, 130
Letojanni, Italy
+39 340 342 6320
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Via Tollen, 46
Châtillon, Aosta, Italy
+39 3356456037
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