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Highlights:
It’s hardly surprising that the GTI boys have chosen to return to the Italian Lakes district. It is one of the most scenic regions to cycle in. It also provides the ideal training ground to then tackle some more serious climbing in the Dolomites! Just ask Cadel Evans, Michael Rogers, Ivan Basso and Stefano Garzelli who make the region around Lago Maggiore their home and training ground.
Day One - Varese Warm-up Ride to Campo dei Fiori
Main Route: 40km
Total Ascent: 1,000m
Time: 2-3 hours
The first we’ll climb the Campo dei Fiori as a warm-up. Also known as the “Balcony of Varese” this climb which tops out at 1,100m provides a spectacular view over Varese and it’s surrounding lakes. On a very clear day you can see Milan. We will stop at Sacro Monte for a coffee and visit the ancient village and monastery.
Day Two - Varese Loop to Passo Forcora
Main Route: 130km
Total Ascent: 1,700m
Time: 5-6 hours
Towns: Luino - Maccagno - Indemini - Ghira
This is a beautiful ride which takes us along the eastern shores of Lago Maggiore. We then take the Passo Forcora climbing into Switzerland. This is a long, 25km alpine-like climb with breathtaking views down to Lago Maggiore. The descent is a blast and takes us back to the shores of Lago Maggiore. We then head back to Varese via Luino along undulating roads immersed in the Campo dei Fiori woods.
Day Three - Varese to Lecco
Main Route: 120km
Total Ascent: 1,800m
Time: 5 hours
Towns: Mendrisio - Como - Sormano
This is a challenging day in the saddle, which takes us towards the famous Lago di Como. We’ll cross the Swiss mountains and valleys of Mendrisio, the 2009 UCI World Cycling Championship host city. The most difficult climb is that heading towads Lanzo, however it will be very rewarding, offering some spectacular views down upon Lake Como. We then descend to the lake and ride along its shores towards Como, a city of culture and the arts. After Como, we climb up to Piani del Tivano, a challenging route which crosses the same mountain range of the famed Ghisallo. We descend into Lecco with some undulations along the way.
Day Four - Lecco Loop of Lago di Como, Bellagio and Colle del Ghisallo
Main Route:100km
Total Ascent: 1,600m
Time: 4 hours
Towns: Bellagio - Magreglio - Canzo
The spectacular scenery of today’s parcours around the Lago di Como will accompany us all the way to Bellagio, home of Italy’s most beautiful villas. The climb of the Madonna del Ghisallo, which features every year in the Giro di Lombardia, will take us to the chapel and cycling museum at the summit. We return via an undulating course through the Brianza region, famous for Italy’s furniture design and manufacture.
Day Five - Lecco to Lovere Lago d'Iseo
Main Route: 110km;
Total Ascent: 2,000m
Time: 5 hours
Towns: Moggio - San Pellegrino - Endine
Beautiful day’s riding through the Bergamo pre-Alps and valleys. Along the way we will visit San Pellegrino Terme (Natural Springs), world famous for it’s still and sparkling mineral waters. Several climbs along what is the “Falcon”, Paolo Savoldelli’s training ground. We finish our day’s ride on the romantic Lago d’Iseo boasting Europe’s largest lake island, Montisola.
Day Six - Lovere to Anfo Lago d'idro
Main Route: 120 km
Total Ascent: Long 2,700m
Time: 5.5 hours
Towns: Pisogne - Bovegno - Collio
Today we tackle two climbs. The first is not difficult, but the second is a long and challenging climb up to the Passo Maniva, Lombardy’s famous ski field. The scenery is moon-like, reminiscent of the Dolomites. Great descent to Lago d’Idro immersed in the Brescian mountains.
Day Seven - Anfo to Riva del Garda
Main Route: 90km
Total Ascent: 1,600m
Time: 4 hours
Towns: Tiarno - Ledro - Molina
This is an easier day. We ride on undulating roads with great views to the big mountains for the whole ride. . We arrive in Riva del Garda, a beautiful town at the northern point of Italy’ largest lake, Lago di Garda. Riva is famous for the sport of wind surfing, so be prepared, it could be really windy. But after Perth, you probably won’t even notice it.
Day Eight - Rest Day
Time to relax and recover for the upcoming visit to the Dolomites. Riva has much to offer, but the beaches are probably the most enjoyable. There is an optional rider for those who wish. The ride is an out and back course, heading south along the shores of Lake Garda to the foothills of Monte Baldo.
Day Nine - Riva del Garda to Bolzano
Main Route: 120km
Total Ascent: Main 1,800m
Time: 5-6 hours
Towns: Comano – San Zeno - Caldaro
We leave the pre-Alps and head to the gateway of the Dolomites – the fascinating city of Bolzano. There are two climbs enroute, with truly incredible scenery. Bolzano is the fitting place to end today’s ride. There are many small brewery’s in town to help re-hydrate!
Day Ten - Bolzano to Cortina
Main Route: 140km
Total Ascent: 2,400m
Time: 5-6 hours
Towns: Collepietra - Canazei - Rocca Pietore
What a day! We ride in the heart of the Dolomites, encountering many climbs with breathtaking views, including the Collepietra, Costalunga, Fedaia and the Giau. We finish in Cortina, “pearl of the Dolomites”, at the lovely Hotel Ancora.
Day Eleven - Cortina Loop to 3 Cime di Lavaredo
Main Route: 90km
Total Ascent: 2,000m
Time: 5 hours
Towns: San Biagio- Misurina
An easier day to recover. Only 90km and only one climb up to the Rifugio Auronzo – the 3 Cime di Lavaredo. But what a climb! Whilst the last 2km have sections of 15%, your reward will be one of the most spectacular views of the Dolomites. Plenty of time to relax and shop in trendy Cortina.
Day Twelve - Cortina Loop to Corvara
Main Route: 130km
Total Ascent: 3,000m
Time: 6 hours
Towns: Pocol - Arabba - Corvara - Pian Falzarego
It’s the final ride day, so no need to leave anything in the tank. This is an epic day with 4 significant climbs including the Giau, Sella, Compolongo and the Falzarego. Almost like a stage of the Giro d’Italia. One to tell the Grandkids!
Day Thirteen - Arrivederci
Recommended Arrival Airport: Milan Malpensa
Recommended Departure Airport: Venice Marco Polo
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