Highlights:
- Legendary rides in the Dolomites, including the famous, “Sella Ronde,” epic four passes ride
- Watch four stages, including end of the race in Milano, to cheer the overall winner
- Best of mountain culture
- Charming hotels and classic properties
- Only one shuttle, so more fantastic riding
- Daily cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
- All accommodations
- Six dinners, two picnic lunches, and all breakfasts
Just imagine what it will be like spinning along these spectacular courses just before the pros arrive. Take to the sidelines along with thousands of other passionate fans from around the world, as these racers pass in a whir of color and fanfare. Only our native guides help you experience the pulse of these true hallmarks of the professional bicycle racing world.
Since 1911, the Giro D’Italia has starred such cycling legends as Coppi, Bartali, Gimondi, Saronni, Moser, Chiappucci, Cipollini and Americans Andy Hampsten and Tyler Hamilton. As you witness the final stages of this race, you’ll be surrounded by some of Italy’s most dramatic and spectacular scenery. You’ll also receive expert training tips about bicycle positioning, development of speed and power, descending and climbing, and advanced bike handling. And you’ll glimpse Italian culture and history.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Giro d'Italia
We meet in the lobby of our hotel at 1:00pm for bike fittings and a warm up ride around the city. In the evening, over dinner we will discuss the race thus far and see what is in store for us the coming week.
Day 2: Monte Bondone
At the foot of the Brenta mountain range group, is Monte Bondone, standing at 1,300 meters. A wonderful area to visit, both in the winter for skiing and the summer for its flora, it is the finishing point of stage 16 of the Giro D’Italia. After an exhilarating climb in the morning, take to the sidelines to watch the completion of stage 16, and get your first taste of the intensity of this year’s race.
Day 3: Bolzano
Watch the beginning of Stage 17 in Termeno as we cycle towards Bolzano. Savor a long rolling ride past vineyards, orchards, rivers and the lovely Lake Caldaro on the “Ciclopista del Sole” (bike path of the sun). In the afternoon, take a optional climb up to the Renon Plateau and experience extroadinary views of the Catinaccio, Rosengarten, and Latemar ranges in the western Dolomites.
Day 4: Canazei
Today we ride to one of the less known valleys of Sud Tyrol, the Val d’Ega, where Austrian language and culture are still dominant among the locals: road signs, language, food and tradition are German, here; once again we thank Italy for its diversity! We climb to passes in the morning, and in the afternoon, we reach Canazei, a popular ski resort, and a great base for cyclists who want to explore the Dolomites. In the Val di Fassa, the main language is Ladin, nothing to do with German, but rather a relict of past Roman conquerors culture mixed with local mountain tribe’s one and well preserved thru the centuries.
Day 5: Pordoi
Following the tire tracks of the Italian greats up and over one of the classic Giro circuits, the Marathon of the Dolomites. Stage 19 includes cycling four scenic passes, and today we’ll tackle the longest one, the Passo Pordoi (2249 m). At the most scenic of the Giro summits, the Passo Pordoi, we will watch riders climbing and giving their best, before heading down the ten kilometer twisting descent of 33 switchbacks, bottoming out at an abrupt end in the town of Arabba.
Day 6: Stellaronda
A traditional and popular ride for cycling enthusiasts is the four passes of the “Sellaronda,” one of the Alps most beautiful circuits. A dream for skiers, and a challenge for cyclists, this is an 80-kilometer ride around the majestic Sella Massif, up and down the passes of Sella, Gardena, Campolongo and Pordo. Here you will discover, “the soul of the sport of cycling” like nowhere else in the world. Every year, millions of bikes come to follow the tracks of the greatest cyclists of the past like Bartali and Coppi, who built their legends on these ramps.
Day 7: Milano! – Final Stage #21
We have a busy day planned as we head into the city to see the final stage of the 2006 Giro D’Italia! This is sure to be a night of celebration for one rider’s team, and we will be there to experience it.
Day 8: Arrivederci
Enjoy another day shopping and sightseeing in stunning Milan, or catch a taxi to the airport or train station to make your way home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Distance:
- 400 miles
- Daily average: 50 miles
We require a $500 deposit to secure your reservation.
Bike Rental is included!
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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