FULL ITINERARY
DAY ONE WED 27 JUN | ARRIVAL & WELCOME
Group transfer from Marco Polo International Airport, Venice early afternoon to La Villa. The transfer will take about 2.5 hours. Hotel check-in, followed by bike assembly and setup. Welcome dinner and Tour Introduction.
DAY TWO THU 28 JUN | LA VILLA LOOP SELLARONDA
A great ride around the Sellaronda. No rush! This is good reconnaissance of the race course and a chance to loosen the muscles after travelling . Warm-up on the classic Passo Campolongo and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we circle the Sella massif over the Passo Pordoi, Sella and Gardena.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 1650M | 5400FT
DAY THREE FRI 29 JUN | LA VILLA LOOP
Today our route traces the second half of the medio course, heading up the now familiar Passo Campolongo. We then turn left and wind along the stunning valley road before climbing to Passo Falzarego/Valparola. It's then back to La Villa where those who dare can check out the Mür dl Giat, the wall of the cat. If time permits, we will do our race registration today.
If you would like to ride the Passo Giau because you won't be doing it race day, or you would prefer to reconnoitre this climb by bike, there is the option of riding the longer route. There will be the option to check out this climb by van in the afternoon, so don't feel you have to ride it today.
DISTANCE | 50KM | 31MI
ELEVATION | 1300M | 4250FT
GIAU OPTION | 83KM | 2400M | 52MI | 7850FT
DAY FOUR SAT 30 JUN | REST DAY
Rest day, race registration and preparation. Today we rest up and make sure the bikes are ready for the epic day tomorrow. Those who would like to keep the legs moving can do an easy spin, emphasis on spinning, no effort! You'll need that energy tomorrow!
DAY FIVE SUN 1 JUL | RACE DAY!
Early start to be in your race start positions by 6:15AM. Today is one of those very special days on the bike, as you ride the Queen of Alpine Granfondos. You will be amazed at the spectacle, and warm support of the volunteers who look after you all along the route. Choose the short, medio or long course on the day. Forza!
SELLARONDA | 55KM | 1780M | 34MI | 5840FT
PERCORSO MEDIO | 106KM | 3130M | 66MI | 10270FT
PERCORSO MARATONA | 138KM | 4230M | 86MI | 13878FT
DAY SIX MON 2 JUL | LA VILLA TO CORTINA
Leisurely start after race day and celebrations! Easy recovery ride to Cortina, followed by lunch in this chic ski resort town. In the afternoon we'll take the cable car to Monte Cristallo.
DISTANCE | 35KM | 22MI
ELEVATION | 800M | 2600FT
DAY SEVEN TUE 3 JUL | CORTINA LOOP TO TRE CIME
Turn left and head up hill! Today our route takes us to the tranquil Lago di Misurina, and then onwards and upwards to arguably one of the most panoramic views in the Dolomites at Tre Cime di Lavardo. It's not all hard work! We have some great descents back into town. For those that would like some extra challenge, climb the allegedly easier side of Passo Giau from Cortina.
DISTANCE | 55KM | 34MI
ELEVATION | 1400M | 4600FT
GIAU OPTION | 34KM | 1000M | 21MI | 3300FT
DAY EIGHT WED 4 JUL | CORTINA TO BOLZANO
A big day in the saddle to put all that alpine riding to work. A fantastic ride as we wind our way to the halfway mark at Canazei, via the stunning Lake Fedaia. With the big climbs of the day behind us, it is an undulating course past the astonishing, emerald green Lago di Carezza before the final, swooping downhill into Bolzano. Magnificent celebrations for the end of the big M tour!
DISTANCE | 125KM | 78MI
ELEVATION | 3000M | 9850FT
DAY NINE THU 5 JUL | GOODBYE
Early morning group transfer to Milan Malpensa airport.
Time to say farewell, until next time!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
FLIGHTS | INSURANCES | BIKE HIRE | LUNCHES | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES | GUIDE GRATUITIES | PRE- OR POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION