You’re reading about a past BikeStyle Tours trip to the Giro d’Italia. You can also view photos from this trip, see preliminary details of our 2009 trip to the Giro, and register to receive full details of the 2009 Giro d’Italia when they are released.
Day 1, Thursday 22 May
Bienvenuto
There will be someone to meet you at Milan Malpensa Airport and assist you to your transport which will transfer you to our 4 star hotel, the Regina Palace overlooking Lake Maggiore about 35km from the Airport in the town of Stresa. We recommend a mid morning to early afternoon arrival to prevent the possibility of having to wait for your room to be made ready as the holiday season will already be in full swing in Italy. We spend tonight at this hotel before heading off to Bolzano tomorrow. Our first job after checking in will be to assemble your bike. Our staff will be on hand to assist if you have any problems.
Time permitting we will schedule a 50km ride around the edge of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta or perhaps you may wish to catch up with the end of Stage 12 from Forli to Carpi on TV.
Stresa is a major tourist centre on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Its popularity as a resort began in 1906 with the construction of the Simplon Tunnel. It has an elegant lakeside promenade and the old centre is filled with ranks of café tables dedicated to the mass consumption of outsize ice-cream sundaes; at night the cobbled streets sway to the sound of Muzak and accordion players.
There may not be much time for tourist activities but should you arrive early there is plenty to do around Stresa. If you get there in time you could spend the afternoon on Lake Maggiore visiting the spectacular Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori).
As part of this trip the visit to the garden of the Villa Taranto is one of the most enchanting gardens in Europe. This botanical garden, of about 16 hectares, was created in 1931 by Captain Neil McEacharn, whose Mausoleum can be visited in the garden itself. He imported flowers and trees from all over the world and planted them here creating wonderful scenery and beautiful views of the lake.
If you have a few days in Stresa before the trip one trip that is worthwhile is to take the ferry up to Locarno in Switzerland and return by train through the surrounding mountains.
There should be time to rest up before the welcome dinner in the evening where you can meet the staff who will be looking after you on the trip and your fellow travellers with whom you will be spending the next 11 days.
Our hotel the Regina Palace is on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It is a prestigious 4 star hotel built in 1908 in the art deco style. The hotel preserves all the charm of its turn of the century neoclassical style with its external facade and interior decoration whilst tasteful renovations have allowed access to all the modern technologies.
Day 2, Friday 23 May
Modena – Cittadella: 192 Km
Today’s stage is 192 km from Modena to Citadella but we will not see it live as we head off to the Dolomites mountains ready for the first big mountain stage of his year’s race.
It is a 5 hour trip by bus from Stresa to Bolzano. We will have a couple of comfort stops on the way and this is a good time to get to know your staff that will be looking after you on the trip. As we pass though the city of Trento we will pay a visit to the bike shop owned by Gilberto Simoni and Francesco Moser.
For those who want to ride it is a pleasant 50km ride from the bike shop through the vineyards to our overnight stop in Bolzano. If you want to get to Bolzano in time for the finish of the stage the bus will continue on directly to the hotel.
Bolzano is an appealing medieval city. Although a part of Italy it is Austrian in every other respect, even the language. Life revolves around the Piazza Walther with plenty of good café and bars.
Our hotel the Hotel Scala Steigl is a family run hotel close to the town centre. It is a perfect place to rest up with a beer in the bar or around the pool after a day on the road.
Day 3, Saturday 24 May
Verona - Alpe Di Pampeago/Val Di Fiemme 195 Km
We catch up with the race for the first time live today. Stage 14 is a 195km day with a major climb over the Passo Manghen before the final climb to the finish on the Alpe di Pampeageo. For those wanting a difficult ride we will leave the hotel on the bike and ride 30km down the valley to the town of Auer where we climb out of the valley to join the last 25km of the stage. For those wanting an easier day the bus will be leaving around lunch time and following the same route as the riders. You have the choice of an easy ride down the valley or riding the final climb.
For those leaving on the bus there will be time to visit will the “Ice Man”. Bolzano is the resting-place of Otzi the 5300 year old ice man who was found preserved in ice west of Bolzano. He can be found in the Museum of Archaeology. You can gaze through the tiny opening into Otzi’s deep freeze unit and make contact with one of our copper age ancestors. Also displayed are his tools and clothing both original and reconstructed versions.
After the race is over we will retrace our steps to Tesero at the base of the climb where the bus will be waiting for our transfer to Canezei which lies in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains. Canazei is a ski resort which offers a good base for us to enjoy the next two days of the race. There are plenty of bars and cafes for us to enjoy after the race.
Day 4, Sunday 25 May
Arabba - Passo Fedaia/Marmolada: 153 Km
We are in an ideal spot today as Stage 15 passes through the town. This 153km stage from Arabba to Passo Fedai includes five major climbs: the Pordoi, San Pellegrino, Giau and Falzerego before the final climb of the Fedia to the finish. With around 4000 metres of climbing, today could set the scene for the rest of race. Whilst the race may not be won here some of the contenders will be out of the running after such a brutal day.
Because of our location we have many choices today. For those wanting a harder ride we will join the race route in Canezei and follow it for 50km climbing the San Pelligrino (11.4 km at 6.8%) before arriving in the village of Caprile where the race passes through twice during the stage today. We will miss out the Giau and the Falzerego and take a “short cut” directly to the finish on the top of the Fedai (14km at 7.5%).
For those wanting an easier day we will see the race either as it passes through the town or on the climb to the Pordoi. After seeing it the first time we will return to Canezei and ride to the finish on the Fedai in the opposite direction to the race. This is an easier climb (13.9km at 4.4%).
If you are not riding this is still a spectacular day in the mountains.
After the race we will return to Canazei for the night.
Day 5, Monday 26 May
San Vigilio Di Marebbe - Plan De Corones (ITT) 13.8 Km
The stage today is a 13.8km Mountain Time Trial from San Vigilio di Marebbe to the Plan de Corones. With the average grade of the climb at 7.9% and peaking at 24% near the finish it could turn out to be a critical stage in this year’s race.
It is only 75km from our hotel to the TT course and we have two options to get there.
For those wanting to ride the Time Trial Course the bus will leave early and travel directly to the start area. We should (weather permitting) be there in time for you to have your own time trial before the race begins. The second option is to ride from the hotel over the Passo di Sella (11.4km at 6.6%) and the Passo di Gardena (5.9km at 4.2%). This ride encompasses everything about riding in the Dolomites. The views from the Sella are spectacular. For those wanting an easier day you can take a “lift” in the bus over one or both of the climbs.
We should be at the race in time to see most of the riders depart. The start of the Time Trial is an ideal time to get close to the riders as they warm up on rollers in the team areas before the start. You can also view the latest in bikes and other technology. If this day follows other days we have had at the time trials we will set ourselves up in a bar with a TV to watch the riders fight out this critical stage.
After the race it is a short trip by bus to Bolzano where we spend the night.
Day 6, Tuesday 27 May
Rest Day
Today is a well deserved rest day for the riders after the rigours of the last three days. It will not be a rest day for us however as we will take this opportunity to ride over the infamous Passo dello Stelvio. This long climb (24.3km at an average of 7.4%) is one of the toughest that regularly appears in the Grand Tours. Its summit at 2758 metres is also one of the highest.
You have the choice of riding the 75km from the hotel to the base of the climb or travelling out by bus. After the climb it is only 22km downhill to our hotel in Bormio.
The bus will not be following us over the climb, instead travelling around the mountain to meet us at the hotel. The hairpins are too much for the bus and the trailer. For those not riding however we will use the van to get to the hotel allowing you to see this great mountain and its national park. If you arrive in Bormio early there may be time to take advantage of the spas.
Bormio is a medieval town surrounded by spectacular peaks and lies near the Swiss border. The old village has a pedestrian zone with small 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.
Day 7, Wednesday 28 May
Sondrio – Locarno: 192 Km
Today’s stage is a 192km fairly flat stage from Sondrio to Locarno in Switzerland. This could be one for a long break away as the race leaders rest up before the final days in the mountains.
We will have a later start and travel to Sondrio on the bus arriving there well in time for the start of the race. Each rider has to sign on before the start so it is a good opportunity to get up close to your favourite. After the race has departed one option is to ride the 75km directly back to our hotel in Bormio.
For those who have not had enough of the mountains there will be the opportunity to ride the Passo di Gavia on the return journey. This tough climb (17.3km at 7.9%) features in Saturday’s stage however we decided to give you the opportunity to do it today without the pressure of having to stay ahead of the race. The bus will transfer you to Edolo for the hard but rewarding 60km trip back to the hotel.
If you are not riding the bus is going to the start you can catch up with the race and return early to sample more of Bormio.
Day 8, Thursday 29 May
Mendrisio – Varese: 182 Km
The stage today is an easy day before the trials to come. The 182km from Mendrisio to Varese should be another for a breakaway or a last chance for the sprinters. We will give the race a miss today as we have learnt from experience that at this point in the trip we don’t want to build in some long bus transfers.
Today we will go to our next base on Lago d’Iseo where we will spend the next three nights. We will leave Bormio on our bikes with two riding options. The first is an 80km loop through Tresanda and over the Passo della Aprica (13.6km at 6.0%) to Edolo. The second option is following the same route through the valley with the opportunity to take a “short cut” over the Passo del Mortirolo which also features in Saturday’s stage. On many maps the Mortirolo is called the Passo di Foppia but no matter what it is called it is a tough climb with the12.8km averaging 10.8% with some sections around the 18% mark. If you have had enough of the mountains the bus will be available at Tresanda for the journey to Edolo. As per yesterday we decided to give you the opportunity to do it today without the pressure of having to stay ahead of the race on race day.
After we have all gathered in Edolo it will be on the bus for the100km trip to the town of Iseo on the shores of the Lake where we spend the next three nights at our 4 star hotel near the lake.
Lago d’Iseo is 16kms long and over 250 metres deep, formed by a glacier that still exists at the top of the valley. It is Italy’s best kept secret in that it has little tourism yet beautiful towns, attractions and Islands (including the largest inland island in Europe). The main towns of Iseo (south) and Lovere (North) are widely recognised as two of the most picturesque lake towns in Italy. Below the lake is the famous Franciacorta wine producing area, above is the beautiful Camonica Valley and the Montecampione ski resort.
Day 9, Friday 30 May
Legnano - Presolana/Monte Pora: 228 Km
The easy days are over and it is back in the mountains for today’s stage, the longest of the race. The first 150km of the 228km stage are pretty flat but the last 78km will test all the riders with climbs over the Passo del Vivione (19.8km at 6.8%), the short but brutal Passo della Presolona (4.5km at 8.3%) before the finish on Monte Pora (6.4km at 6.9%).
We will leave the hotel and ride the 65km directly to the finish of today’s stage on Monte Pora. We should be there well before the finish of the stage. After the race is over we will return to Iseo on the bus.
If you are not riding this is a good day to miss the race and spend the day on the lake stopping for lunch at Monte Isola, Italy’s largest inland island where no cars are allowed. You can also visit Lovere at the Northern end of the lake which has been voted one of Italy’s prettiest port villages. As the race is going through Lovere you may see the race as it passes by.
Day 10, Saturday 31 May
Rovetta – Tirano: 224 Km
The organizers have saved one of the hardest stages until the end and the anything could happen with the general classification today before the time trial tomorrow. The 224km stage from Rivetta to Tirano includes the major climbs of the Gavia and the Mortirolo which we have seen over the past few days and the Passo dell’Aprica (15.3km at 3.2%) before the downhill finish into Tirano.
We have already done the major climbs from today’s stage but we will still head off into the mountains to watch the stage. It is an 85km ride from the hotel to the town of Edolo, 50km of this is on the route for today’s stage. The race passes through Edolo twice so we have many options. From Edolo it will be possible to ride part way up the Gavia to see the first pass of the race and return to see the race again on the climb to Aprica. It will also be possible to watch both passes in the town. Once the race has passed by we will watch the finish on TV before returning to Iseo by bus.
You might ask why we have not scheduled the major climbs on race day. Both the Gavia and the Mortirolo are quite difficult and we thought it would be better to give you the opportunity to ride these magical climbs without the pressure of the race breathing down your neck.
The bus will be travelling to Edolo for anyone not riding.
Day 11, Sunday 1 June
Cesano Maderno - Milano (Individual Time Trial): 23.5 Km
If the last two days haven’t been enough the final day is a 23.5km Time Trial from Cesano Maderno to Milano. There will be no chance for the leaders to rest up. We will schedule a short 50km ride to the start in Cesano. Once there we will watch some of the early riders leave before departing for our hotel in downtown Milano arriving well before the leaders are expected to arrive.
Milano 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.
After the race is over and you have soaked up the atmosphere of the presentations we will return to the hotel. Time to pack up the bikes and have a rest before the farewell dinner where you can say goodbye to your new found friends.
Our final hotel is the Milano Hilton. It is a contemporary hotel close to the main railway station which is convenient should you be extending your stay. The shuttle service back to Malpensa Airport leaves from here.
Day 12, Monday 2 June
Arrivederci
All good things must come to an end and it is time to say arrivederci. Transport will be available to take you to the Milan Malpensa Airport.
NOTE: Please place number of persons attending in box below This form allows you to make a reservation for a tour. You will not be charged until a spot has been confirmed. All trips require a specified deposit to reserve your place.
If you have any further enquiries please email me at lawrie@bikestyletours.com.
See Photos from our 2005, 2006 and 2007 Trips.
