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TRIP DETAILS:(Nove Colli Entries Close March 1st)
Duration: 13 days (12 nights)
Dates: Wednesday, 19 May to Monday, 31 May 2010
Start: Malpensa (Milan) Finish: Malpensa (Milan)
Accommodation: Selected 4 star hotels
Group Size: Maximum 35 people (4 Staff)
Cost: AUD$5490.00 – Single Supplement AUD$850.00
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Inclusions

Optional Extras:
Bike Rental $720 (Cannondale Synapse carbon fibre)
Pre or post tour accommodation to extend your stay
Travel Insurance and Car Rental.
Email us for details

Trip highlights:
- Immerse yourself in Italy’s cycling culture and cuisine
- Visit Italy’s magnificent Dolomites and its famous climbs
- Discover Italy’s fabulous region of Emilia Romagna
- Challenge yourself on famous climbs including the Gavia, Mortirolo, Plan de Corones and Stelvio (weather depending)
- The chance to take part in the annual Gran Fondo Nove Colli, Italy’s largest sporting cycling event

Who is this trip for?
This tour offers an amazing variety of terrain, race viewing and cycling. As with all of our tours you’ll be guided by our expert team of ride leaders, drivers and guides. You will experience the excitement of the Giro d’Italia and see stage starts and finishes, a mountain time trials and the most exciting mountain stages of the tour. This tour starts in Milan before moving to Emilia Romagna and then onto the Dolomites before heading back to Milan. You will also have the chance to compete in the Nove Colli.

The 2010 Gran Fondo Nove Colli, will be the 40th edition. It is the biggest Gran Fondo in all Europe. This year the number of participants will be raised to 12,000 while always maintaining the safety standards that has distinguished this competition over the years. Even if it is the Nove Colli’s 40th birthday there will be no change of route for the Gran Fondo because it is loved the way it is.

As usual Bikestyle Tours we will be offering a minimum of two options per day. One is a ride for those enthusiasts who like to challenge themselves on some climbs and/or longer distances while there is an option for those wanting to take a gentler approach to their cycling and not ride quite as hard or as far!

Download 2010 Giro Nove Colli and Dolomites PDF Here

Day 1, Wednesday, 19 May: Stage 11, Lucera – L’Aquila, 256 Km

The tour starts today with our staff meeting you as you arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport and transferring you to our hotel a short distance away.
Our hotel is a modern 4 star property near to the airport ideal for our test ride this afternoon.

Once we’ve got you settled into the hotel we will assemble bikes and take a short local ride through the surrounding countryside and along a bikepath that follows one of the canals to stretch your legs and check your bike is in good working order.

For those interested who arrive early enough you can travel into Milan for the day.  The best way is to return to the airport and go into town on the train.  Tonight we will have a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers and where our staff will go over the plans for you next week of cycling in Italy.

Overnight: Malpensa
Meals: Dinner

Day 2, Thursday, 20 May: Stage 12, Città Sant’Angelo – Porto Recanati, 191 Km

After a good night’s rest we will travel from Milan to Milano Marittima in the Emilia Romagna region. It’s a long drive so we’ll make an early start to get to Milano-Marittima in time to fit in a pleasant ride along the coast to Riccionne. We will return to the hotel late this afternoon to watch the end of the race from the comfort of our hotel, or possibly in a bar en route. Emilia Romagna is so popular with cyclists from all over Europe. It is an area with some beautiful rides and home to Italy’s largest Gran Fondo cycling event, the Nove Colli, which many of us will be riding in a few days.

Today (and most days) two options will be available. A longer (or more difficult) ride for those enthusiasts who like to challenge themselves and another not quite as hard or as far for those wanting a gentler ride.

The former holiday destination of Milan’s high society, Milano Marittima has become an exclusive and glamorous seaside resort featuring outstanding natural beauties and high-quality tourist services and facilities.

Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3, Friday, 21 May: Stage 13, Porto Recanati – Cesenatico, 222 Km

Today the race comes up the coast before turning inland at Rimini, tackling two steep climbs and then descending for the final 35km into Cesenatico the hometown of the late Marco Pantani.

We are in a great position to see the race today. In fact we can see it twice if we wish. From our hotel we will ride down to Rimini via some of the lovely hilltop towns that can be found in this area. As you ride your bike along these beauiful roads you will be immersed in a landscape made up of gentle hills, planted fields, vineyards, olive groves and small villages.

Once we arrive in Rimini we will have some lunch at a cafe, enjoy a great Italian coffee and await the arrival of the race. At this early stage they should be together except for the dare devil early breakaways who will be trying to get as much of a lead as possible.

When the race and the support cars have passed through we will head along the coast with hundreds of other cyclists to see the stage finish in Cesenatico. The two climbs today shouldn’t be enough to split the group so expect a bunch sprint.

After the race we will return to the hotel.

Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4, Saturday, 22 May: Stage 14, Ferrara – Asolo, 201 Km

For those riding Nove Colli tomorrow we only need an easy ride today in preparation for tomorrow, so we will ride the 15 km to Cesenatico. You’ll be astounded by the number of cyclists in town for the event, with around 11,000 people taking part in tomorrow’s event. Our staff have already picked up your official entry information and race number on your behalf, making it a stress free afternoon to enjoy this flat spin along the coast. While in Cesenatico drop in to the village near the registration area and maybe pick up a souvenir at one of the many stands selling good quality cycling gear.

For those not riding the Novi Colli we will take in a 40km loop down to Cesenatico, returning via some quiet local roads and the old port of Cervia. Same route down to Cesenatico as the others, nice and flat, but just a few more kms. While in Cesenatico drop in to the village near the registration area and pick up a souvenir at one of the many stands selling good quality cycling gear.

For those not riding there will be time for a stroll through the resort or a laze on the beach before settling down to watch the stage finish on TV.

Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5, Sunday, 23 May: Stage 15, Mestre – Monte Zoncolan, 218 Km

This morning those entering the Gran Fondo Nove Colli will rise very early and ride the short distance to Cessanatico to take up our position close to the start line of the event. As it is only 15 kms to the start it will be quicker to ride due to traffic restrictions near the start area, plus of course you’ll start the event with warm muscles and raring to go!

There are two options for the Nove Colli, 130km (80 miles) or 200km (124 miles). We will schedule pick up time and location for your transport back to the hotel after the ride. The event will have in excess of 10,000 riders, all keen to do a good time and enjoy the day. Take care over the first kms of the route as it will be crowded and while you may be a skilled rider, you never know about the person in front or behind you. So take it easy and have an enjoyable and safe day. Tonight you can enjoy a well earned drink and look back on the great achievement that doing the Nove Colli is!

For those not competing today we will have a more leisurely day with a ride out into the hills to explore the hilltop towns of the region and maybe cheer on the riders who are competing today.

Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6, Monday, 24 May: Rest day

It is a rest day in the race today so it’s a perfect opportunity for us to move onto our next stop for two nights at Riscone just 2.5 kms from Brunico and 20kms from San Vigilio at the base of the Plan de Corones. The picturesque town of Brunico is considered the pearl of the Pusteria Valley – because of its beauty and being surrounded by a spectacular mountain scenery.

We have quite a long drive today to catch back up to the race. For those who competed yesterday there will be time to sleep or watch a movie on the bus as we make our way to the Dolomites. We should arrive in time for a short ride this afternoon after we check into our lovely 4 star hotel. Besides the beautiful vista the hotel facilities include Outdoor swimming pool, Indoor swimming pool, Heated swimming pool, Fitness room, Sauna, Steam bath, Solarium, Massages, Hydromassage Jacuzzi and a Health Centre.

Overnight: Brunico
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7, Tuesday, 25 May: Stage 16, San Vigilio – Plan de Corones, 12.9 km, TT

The Plan de Corones mountain time trial is just 12.8 kms long, but the one time it has been included in the Giro was in 2008 when stage winner Pellizotti took 40 minutes and 26 seconds with an average speed of just 19.1 kph, which gives you an idea of its steepness. It begins gently enough with a 3.7% grade over 2.5 kms, then ramps up to 9% for the next 5 kms, then it’s no less than 10% for the last 5 kms on a dirt road, with one pitch as steep as 24% just 1km before the 2,273-metre summit.

So our mission for today is to get to the top without putting a foot down! Well that might not be possible but we can try. We will leave the hotel early after breakfast and ride to San Vigilio where we will begin the climb before it gets too crowded. We would suggest you do the climb and return to the lower slopes to see the race there as it will get very cold at the top and we won’t be able to get any support vehicles up there with jackets for you. Good Luck!

Overnight: Brunico
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8, Wednesday, 26 May: Stage 17, Brunico/Bruneck – Peio Terme, 173 Km

This morning we couldn’t be in a better position to see the race start. Before the race begins however we should have time for a ride before returning for a shower, checkout of the hotel and go to see the race. We expect the start time to be around 12.30 which will allow us time for riding however if it is earlier we will reschedule the ride for after the start.

Race starts are great to see. First of all the publicity caravan leaves town. Next the teams arrive with their team vehicles with their roofs full of bikes and team buses with the riders safely tucked inside being given last minute instructions from their directors. After instructions they must do what is called “sign on” where they sign a start sheet. The rule is no signature, no start.  The riders will ride their bikes to a podium where the crowds gather to see their heroes. So some good places to gather are near the team buses or somewhere between the bus and sign on. Normally the stars and the pink jersey signs on towards the end so be patient.

Then after all the ritual it’s time to go. The riders go to the start to begin their long day in the saddle. The race always leaves on time with the first part of the race being a neutral period to get them safely out of town.

When the race has left we will get on the bus for our drive to Bormio where we will stay for the next 4 nights. Our 3 star Hotel is within easy walking distance of the old town and is geared to looking after cyclists.

Some of the features include:
Large breakfast buffet, Five courses menu, Free WiFi internet access, Wellness centre, Equipped workshop for small repairs and bike washing facilities and Free laundry service for sportswear.

Bormio is a medieval town of surrounded by spectacular peaks lies near the Swiss border. The old village has a pedestrian zone with small town shops, quaint restaurants, markets connected by busy streets leading to the best hotels, restaurants and the ski area. This town has thrived for centuries because of its thermal waters discovered and developed first by the Etruscans and Romans and eventually enjoyed by succeeding civilizations. There is an ancient spa which has developed through Roman, Medieval and the Imperial eras.

Overnight: Bormio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9, Thursday, 27 May: Stage 18, Levico Terme – Brescia, 151 Km

Today however we will have a break from the race and take opportunity to ride the most famous of all Italian passes, and one of the highest surfaced roads in Europe, the Passo dello Stelvio.

Our ride will start from the hotel in Bormio and take the slightly shorter route up Passo Stelvio. At this time of year the other (more famous) side is still closed. It’s a 45 km return ride and involves about 300 meters less climbing than from the Prato side. Starting from Bormio, the Passo dello Stelvio is 21.5 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1533 vertical metres. The average percentage is thus 7.1 %. We will return to see the race on TV this afternoon. There is a slight chance the road will be closed but we have always found it to be open in late May, whereas early May can be doubtful.

The original road was built in 1820-25 by the Austrian Empire to connect the former Austrian province of Lombardia with the rest of Austria, covering a climb of 1871 m. Since then, the route has changed very little. It has 60 hairpin turns with 48 of them on the northern side.

Overnight: Bormio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10, Friday, 28 May: Stage 19, Brescia – Aprica, 195 Km

What a day today will be! Your chance to ride one of the most feared climbs in the pro peloton.
Our focus today will be the Passo di  (1854m). Mortirolo has been used nine times since 1990. Venezuela’s Leonardo Sierra was first rider over in 1990 and Spaniard Antonio Colom was first in 2008. The 2010 Giro will climb from Mazzo di Valtellina as it usually does. The Mortirolo climbs 1317 metres in 12.8 kilometres, an average of 10.3% gradient and maximum of 18% after the San Matteo church. From here there is 32.6 kilometres to Aprica (1173m) and the finish line.

This morning we will leave the hotel and ride the 35 klms down the valley to Mazzo di Valtellina which is the beginning of the climb of the Mortirolo. Today’s stage from Brescia takes the riders over Passo del Mortirolo (1854m) before its arrival in to Aprica. No doubt this climb will be decisive in the race today and probably in the overall standings.

Your options from Mazzo di Valtellina are to ride all or part of this climb, find a good spot, enjoy the spectacle and watch the riders fight it out and return down to see the finish in a bar on TV. After the race we will return to the hotel by bike or bus, the choice is yours.

Tonight we expect Bormio to be busy with teams staying in the town so there should be an opportunity to go and visit a team hotel and see the mechanics at work cleaning and preparing bikes for tomorrow.

Overnight: Bormio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11, Saturday, 29 May: Stage 20, Bormio – Ponte di Legno – Tonale, 178 Km

The Giro celebrates 50 years since it first used the Passo di Gavia (2618m). Italy’s Imerio Massignan passed over first in 1960, but two punctures allowed Luxembourg’s Charly Gaul to catch and pass him on the descent. The last time the Giro visited, in 2008, Mexican Julio Pérez Cuapio topped the climb first. The 2010 stage climbs up the opposite side to normal. From Bormio, it climbs 24.9 kilometres with an average percent gradient of 5.6%. It leaves 29.2 kilometres to race, to the Passo del Tonale (1883m).

This morning we couldn’t be in a better position. If you wish you can see the race twice today. We will go to the start this morning and see the race off. As it heads south towards Torano we will get on our bikes and ride towards the Gavia. The race isn’t due back in Bormio for about 3 hours so we have time to ride to the top or part the way up and see the riders pass on their way to Tonale. By this time they will have already climbed 2 climbs and they will be quite spread out. After they have passed we may have time to get back to the hotel to see the finish on TV.

Overnight: Bormio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12, Sunday, 30 May: Stage 21, Verona (Individual Time Trial), 15.3 Km, TT

The Giro completes its 3,461.5 kms of racing with a short 15.3 klm time trial in Verona, hometown of Damiano Cunego.

We have thought long and hard about today’s itinerary. After the brutal stages of the past week we expect the race to be decided by now and doubt that the small time gaps that could be gained from this stage will have any bearing on the overall classification. The other consideration is the long transfer to get to Verona and then back to Milan makes it virtually impossible to do in a day, at least without major inconvenience for our clients.

So this morning we will leave Bormio and go to downtown Milan where you will have the afternoon free to visit the shops and sights of Milan.

Of course don’t forget to watch the time trial on TV. It’s a great way to watch a TT as you get the time checks and see all the action and what’s even better is to see it in a bar full of Italians giving their commentary and opinions.

Milan is the fashion capital of Europe and perhaps the world. It is a shopper’s delight with every big name represented as well as some smaller but very prestigious smaller design houses. It is very cosmopolitan and you can find cafes with food from every corner of the world. It is Italy’s financial centre with most of the major corporations basing their corporate headquarters here. The three highlights well worth a visit are the Duomo (cathedral) with its museum and rooftop terrace, the Scala, the city’s famous opera house complete with its theatrical museum and Leonardo’s masterpiece in the Cenocolo Vinciano.

Tonight we will have our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight: Milan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13, Monday, 31 May: Arrivederci

All good things must come to an end and it is time to say arrivederci. We will arrange your transfers to the Milan Malpensa Airport.

Inclusions
Tour cost is per person twin share and includes:
-Transport throughout by private luxury coach with custom bike trailer.
-Services of 4 experienced tour guides, including a former Pro cyclist, plus our coach driver.
-Transfers on Wednesday, 19 May from Malpensa airport to hotel
-Transfer on Monday, 31 May to Malpensa airport
-12 night’s accommodation, in selected 3 and 4 star hotels (with private facilities).
-Buffet breakfast daily
- Minimun 3 course evening meals on each night
-Mechanical assistance with your bike
-Sightseeing as listed
-Maps and Bikestyle guide to the Giro d’Italia
-Bikestyle Tours cycling jersey, cap and musette bag