At
CycleItalia, we think the
Dolomites must
be where
God
takes His vacations. Storybook
green countryside rests in the shadow of spectacular rock
spires, offering some of the most scenic - and
challenging - cycling in the world. In addition, we've designed this
tour to offer you most of
the famous mountain passes
of the regions bordering
Austria and Switzerland.
Make sure you've got low
gearing and get ready to "pedala
forte, mangia bene!"
June
27 - Departure for overnight
flights to Milan.
June
28 - Benvenuto
in Italia! A
short transfer from the
Malpensa airport will have
you
relaxing in the wine country.
Do an easy warm-up ride
or relax by
the pool and meet your fellow travelers before our welcome dinner.
June
29 - Our
cycling adventure starts after
after a morning transfer
by private van. Wind up the beautiful Éores and Erbe Passes before descending
to our lodging in the panoramic village of Antermoia. Edith, Enzo and
"Mamma" will
spoil us with Ladina hospitality and traditional mountain cuisine at
our group dinner.
June
30 - We'll
be sorry to say good-bye to
our hosts but we've got
a big day ahead of us on our way to the Olympic village of Cortina
- heart
of the Dolomites. We'll scale the Passo Furcia then cruise the scenic
Val Pusteria before climbing past Lake Misurina and over Passo Tre Croci
with a steep option to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. A final descent leads to
our charming hotel just steps from Cortina's lively downtown piazza.
| July 1 - Fuel
up at our buffet
breakfast because
today we climb the
Passo Giau and the
short but steep Colle
Santa Lucia before
tackling the twin
passes of Falzarego
and Valparola. The
20k descent to Corvara
ends with a few last
cruel switchbacks
up to our luxury
hotel featuring a
panoramic view of
Val Badia. Tyrolean
wine and cuisine
highlight tonight's
group dinner. |
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July
2 - This
could be the most scenic
and challenging cycling loop there is. Start
with Passo Campolongo then a twisty descent before the notorious
Passo Fedaia (Marmolada).
Continue the challenge and attack the Sella and Gardena passes
before the thrilling descent into Corvara -- but don't forget
the final "sting in the tail" climb to our hotel!
| July
3 - Say "Arriverderci" to
Corvara as we depart
Alta Badia over the spectacular
Passo Pordoi. Next we'll
tackle the Passo Costalunga
and a final climb to
Monte San Pietro before
coasting to our hotel.
Another tasty group dinner
awaits in the panoramic
dining room. |
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Coppi monument on Passo
Pordoi |
July
4 - Today
we cross the valley and scale the picturesque
Mendola and Palade passes on the way to Val Venosta where a
peaceful bike-route will carry you among fruit trees to our
night's hotel. A hearty group dinner of SudTirol cuisine will
fuel us for tomorrow's highlight climb.
July
5 - This
is it - the big one! It's time for
the Passo Stelvio and the 20k spin from our hotel is a perfect
warm-up. Tackle the 48 numbered switchbacks
as you recall images of champions like Merckx, Gimondi and
Coppi, imagining what it's like to be cheered by screaming tifosi.
Descend into Bormio and relax at our luxury hotel
then share tales of the epic climb at a sumptuous dinner of
Valtellina specialties.
July
6 - Today's
your chance to
do one of the most challenging
loops in all of cycling.
Start with a descent from
Bormio followed by Passo
Mortirolo - 12 km of
sheer pain with an average
grade of 10.25%
and pitches of 14%. Don't
admire the haunting Pantani
Memorial for too long as
we're off to the epic Passo
Gavia, scene of American
Andy Hampsten's frozen
triumph in 1988. Return
to Bormio for a relaxing
afternoon and group dinner
in the lively ski town.
July 7 - Today
we head for Lake
Como,
spinning along the
quiet eastern shore
before a scenic ferry
crossing from Varenna
to Bellagio.
Then
it's up the historic
climb to Madonna
del Ghisallo,
shrine of Italian cycling.
After paying our
respects at the
chapel - museum and
taking
in the fantastic
view, we'll transfer
by van to our headquarters
hotel, pack our
bikes and enjoy a final
farewell dinner.
July 8 -
Morning airport shuttles. |
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Madonna
del Ghisallo |
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