2010 Nove Colli and Giro d’Italia Stage
TRIP DETAILS: (Entries Close March 1st)
Duration: 5 days (4 nights)
Dates: Thursday, 20 May to Monday, 24 May 2010
Start and Finish: Bologna Airport, Rimini Airport and train station
Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Milano Marittima
Group Size: Maximum 20 people (2 Staff)
Cost: AUD$2250.00– Single Supplement AUD$290.00
Reserve your place now
Inclusions
Optional Extras:
Pre or post tour accommodation to extend your stay
Travel Insurance and Car Rental.
Email us for details
Highlights:
- Your chance to ride the oldest and biggest Gran Fondo!
- See a Giro stage finish
- Immerse yourself in Italy’s cycling culture and cuisine
- Based in one location
Who is this trip for?
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. So many people return year after year to retrace those roads, riding in the Romagna passing through several different villages such as Valmarecchia (Casteldelci, Maiolo, Novafeltria, Pennabilli, St. Leo, Sant’Agata Feltria and Talamello). The Nove Colli is a tough event and requires you to be well prepared for it’s challenges.
Download the 2010 Nove Colli Trip Itinierary PDF 
Thursday, 20 May: Arrival
Our tour starts today with our staff meeting you as you arrive in Italy. We will be offering transfers from Rimini Airport or train station to our hotel. We will also provide one transfer at 12.00 noon from Bologna airport to our hotel. Bologna airport is serviced by all major European airlines, while Rimini is serviced by domestic Italian flights and budget European carriers.
Once we’ve got you settled into the hotel we will assemble bikes and take a short local ride down the coast road to stretch your legs and check your bike is in good working order. Our 4 star hotel is right in Milano Marittima. 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.
Tonight we will have a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers and where our staff will answer all your questions on your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Saturday, 22 May: An Easy Day
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.
We will have an early night in preperation for the ride tomorrow.
Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday, 23 May: Gran Fondo Nove Colli
This morning you 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 (80miles) or 200km (124miles). 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!
Overnight: Milano Marittima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday, 24 May:
All good things must come to an end and it is time to say arrivederci. We will arrange your transfers Forli Airport or Milano Marittima train station.
