Giro d’Italia Cycling Tour

We start the week with a loop in and out of Bergamo’s Citta Alta and Citta Basso as we explore some of the cobblestone roads, ancient stone city gates and tiny country back roads that hug the edge of the city, familiarizing ourselves with this beautiful region.

This ride will blow the cobwebs out of your legs after your travels, and also give you the chance to test your bike set-up and make any micro adjustments, as you require.

Highlight: Riding up the cobbles stone ramp and through the ancient stone city gates.
Distance: 25.6km
Elevation: 554m

Today we roll out of Bergamo and pick up the race course for tomorrow’s stage 15, heading directly to Selvino with its 19 hairpin corners. We keep pushing north and take on the climb of Dossena, another climb made famous by the one-day monument, the Giro di Lombardia.

Highlight: Climbing Selvino with it’s 19 beautiful hairpin corners
Distance: 86.1km
Elevation: 1749m

Today is our first taste of the Giro and we will see them at multiple points across the day.

We head out of Bergamo and join the stage route, tackling the combined 17km ascent of Valcava and Valpiana. We’ll settle in on the last hairpin to wait for the arrival of the race.

After the race passes, we’ll keep following the route and enjoy a 20km descent and return to Bergamo to see the race pass by the cobble roads that sit at the edge of the ancient city. We’ll then make our way down to the finish line to be amongst all the action as we watch the finale.

Highlight: Our first taste of the Giro with a sensational finish in Bergamo
Distance: 74.6km
Elevation: 1711m

Today is our first transfer from Bergamo to Lake Garda in anticipation for tomorrow’s Stage 16.

We’ll unload the bikes at the southern edge of the lake and pick up the race route for tomorrow’s stage, which hugs the western edge of the lake.

After the legs have warmed up, we’ll take a quick left turn and head up into the hills that encircle the lake, providing us with a different perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains. A stunning descent follows; short, sharp and spectacular this pops us back onto the race route as we again hug the water’s edge.

Highlight: The stunning combination of a smooth road hanging to the edge of a mountain above the brilliant blue of Lago di Garda.
Distance: 75.8km
Elevation: 1615m

We roll out of our lakeside hotel and very quickly join the route for the day’s stage, with the immediate challenge of Passo di Santa Barbara (average 10% gradient) and Passo di Bordala on the agenda.

We’ll again take up a position on one of the many hairpin corners and await the arrival of the race. Will it be the day’s break or will the gruppo be compatto?

Highlight: Seeing the riders climbing the steep slopes of the pre Alps.

Distance: 72.2km
Elevation: 2374m

Today we are on the move as we transfer across to the Dolomites. However, mid-transfer we will stop in Pergine Valsugana to be a part of the stage 17 start.

We’ll have time to get up close to the pro’s as they sign on, buy a few souvenirs and watch them roll out before another action-packed day.

We’ll continue on our way to the Dolomites, and on our arrival to Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll have the choice of a complete rest day or a light spin around the surrounding valleys and hills to keep the legs rolling.

Highlight: Seeing the race start
Distance: 27.4km
Elevation: 665m

Today we get to know the Dolomites well, on what is one of our favourite days on the bike. We roll out of our beautiful alpine village and get straight to work, starting the first of our three ascents for the day, Passo Falzarego.
We all find our own rhythm and set about rolling over the top, where we will join the race course for tomorrow’s stage.
A fast 15km descent follows and then the task of conquering the challenges of Colle Santa Lucia and the amazing Passo Giau (called the Holy Stairs of the Dolomites by the Giro organisers).

Highlight: The beautiful challenge of Passo Giau.
Distance: 63.4km
Elevation: 2104m

Today you’ll conquer another one of cycling’s legendary climbs, Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We’ll start the day by heading out of the village on quiet and tiny roads flanked by tall pine trees, as we circle our way towards Tre Cime di Lavaredo where another spectacular landscape awaits you at the top.
We’ll regroup and stop for lunch at the top before rolling down to the final hairpin corner of the day’s epic stage and await the arrival of the pro’s. Who will have attacked and be at the head of the race?

Highlight: Watching the Pro’s battle each other on the final mountain top finish of the race after, taking on the challenge ourselves
Distance: 54.7km
Elevation: 1550m