Ride the roads made famous by the Giro d'Italia!
Bormio, Italy, is an antique town with uncontaminated beauty. Surrounded by one of the largest protected areas in Italy, nature is displayed on a pedestal, creating an outdoor playground with breathtaking views. All of our rides will depart from the door of our hotel, leading us on some of the most beautiful climbs in Europe. Gavia, Stelvio, Mortirolo ... just saying their names brings pure joy.
BONUS DAY: ARRIVE SEPT. 8
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If the Passo del Ghisallo and riding along the shores of Lake Como are on your bucket list then plan to arrive on Sept. 8. The Cycling Centre team will greet you at the Milan airport where we'll settle in to Lecco for a few nights.
On Sept. 9th we'll do a welcoming ride that loops up to the Madonna del Ghisallo where you can pray to the cycling Gods for a week of great weather and fun. The Cycling Museum is also worth a visit and the support van will help carry your gift-shop purchases. Test your legs on the Muro di Sormano before returning to Lecco and enjoy some time at a local patio watching people in the town square. |
SEPT. 9: ARRIVAL SECOND GROUP
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Details: Our Cycling Centre team will greet the second group of arriving riders with a smile and a snack in Milan before transporting to our hotel in Lecco.
Assemble your bike with the help of our team, do a little spin to ensure everything is working, then relax on a patio with an Aperol Spritz while engaging in excited conversation with new friends. Dinner will surely delight our taste buds as we enjoy a restaurant known for their authenticity and finesse. Mamma Mia! The food in Italy will not disappoint. |
SEPT. 10: Lecco to bormio
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Ride Description: Our first day with the entire group will take us from the glistening waters of Lake Como and in to the mountains. Though it is a gradual climb most of the day, you will be well supported with an option to hop in for a 4 wheel lift if you need it.
Post ride relax in the comforts of Agriturismo Rini, a working dairy farm where we will be sampling their home made butter and cheeses. The cows should be making their yearly pilgrimage from their summer fields back to the barn this week as well. |
SEPT. 11: PASSO UMBRAIL AND STELVIO
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Ride Description: Prepare yourself for the famous DOUBLE Stelvio!! The 88 spectacular hairpin bends are a must for every cyclist. We will start from Bormio and climb the Stelvio, crossing into Switzerland before descending the Umbrail Pass and rolling through the flat roads of the valley back in to Italy. Once we reach Prado prepare yourself for the second time up the Stelvio, this time with a memorable 25 km descent back to Bormio. Enjoy a recovery walk in to the town of Bormio for some shopping or a post ride beer.
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SEPT. 12: SPA DAY
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Ride Description: Ahhh, today we rest like the pros! Every time we have a group in Bormio we tell people they have to visit the spa and there are always a handful of people that wrinkle their noses. "Trust us" we say as we drop them off. Without fail people exit the spa looking like they were in pure bliss, so yes, just trust us!
You can also explore Bormio on foot and if you would like a "recovery" ride enjoy the route to Lago Cancano. As you climb you are surrounded by the mountain pines which lead you to the beautiful views from the Fraele Towers. |
SEPT. 13: MORTIROLO PASS
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Ride Description: Today starts with 25 km downhill and a perfectly paved bike path that meanders along the Adda river before starting up one of the most famous and romantic climbs of the Giro d'Italia.
The "Pirates Ascent" of the Mortirolo Pass will challenge us, but the face of every rider that tackles this beast is the same when they summit, one of pure euphoria! Once the red line on the road is crossed all the effort and anguish is forgotten. It is said that if you succeed in riding this climb, and you will, then you can do anything! We will descend the third side of the Mortirolo, completing the trio this week, and encourage you to take your time, the views on the way down are worth stopping for a picture.
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SEPT. 14: PASSO GAVIA
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Ride Description: Gavia Pass offers views that are endless in presenting their rugged beauty. We will begin at a nice relaxing pace to warm-up, meandering through villages before the grades increase and we make our way to the top where the protector of cyclists, the Madonna delle Vette awaits. After an espresso, you'll have the choice to return to Bormio, or descend and climb back up to ride both sides of the Gavia.
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SEPT. 15: BORMIO TO BERGAMO
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Ride Description: You are going to feel so fast on this ride! Well, maybe ... Mostly downhill, fingers crossed the wind will be at our backs and sun on our faces, though we will do a bit of climbing as we over the Aprica climb on our way to Bergamo. Enjoy a flatter landscape, and most definitely a coffee break today. It is Italy after all!
Bikes will be packed up, stories will be shared, celebrations will be had, as we culminate our week together with another beautiful meal.
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SEPT. 16: DEPARTURE DAY
INCLUDED
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NOT INCLUDED
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FEES IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
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