THE ITALIAN JOB - TWO!

THE ITALIAN JOB - TWO! to Emilia-Romagna is the Action4Diabetics (A4D) fund raising cycle challenge for 2019. The aim is to raise US$75,000 for young people with type-1 diabetes in South East Asia. These funds will go directly towards keeping 125 young people with Type-1 Diabetes alive and well for another year.

The hills on the eastern side of the Apennines were a favourite stomping ground of Marco 'the Pirate' Pantani, much loved Italian cyclist who was considered one of the best climbers of the 1990's. We follow roads used by the Pirate and the Giro d'Italia. This is an "entree" for the peloton as it makes its way north to the Dolomites, through Emilia-Romagna.

The tour begins in the beautiful hills around the thermal spa village of Bagno di Romagna. From Bagno, we head towards the coast, visiting fascinating towns such as San Leo and the 5th smallest country in the world, San Marino. The food reflects the delicious cooking of neighbouring Tuscany and Veneto, with the freshest seafood at hand.

This region provides sensational riding. The terrain is hilly, with short, sometimes steep climbs great for bite-sized challenges as well as flatter, coastal riding next to the sparkling Adriatic. This year's A4D Tour has been specifically designed for riders of all abilities, with short and long route options on daily routes. Every rider can enjoy a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, and raise funds to enable young people with Type-1 Diabetes in the poorest parts of SE Asia to have a future.

To join this exciting tour at specially discounted rates, we ask all riders to raise an additional US$1000 to support the A4D programme. Our generous sponsors have pledged to match their donations for every km and every metre the team climbs.

Secure your spot today. Bravissimo!!

Road and E-bikes available for hire.
Non-riders welcome.

CONFIRMED DEPARTURE

FULL ITINERARY

DAY ONE SAT 7 SEP | WELCOME

Arrive in Bologna in time to join the morning group transfer 11:00am to Bagno di Romagna, a 1.5 hour drive. On arrival at our lovely hotel located just up the hill (of course!) in Lago Aquapartita, there will be a light lunch and Ride Briefing. After lunch, bike fit for those who have hired bikes, and assistance with assembly of bikes for those who have brought their own. A short warm-up ride to check the bikes, stretch those legs after travelling and get a taste of the wonderful rides to come. Welcome dinner and Tour Introduction in the evening.
DISTANCE | 30KM | 19MI
ELEVATION 650m | 2100FT

DAY TWO SUN 8 SEP | LOOP TO PASSO FUMAIOLO

A great ride to get into your rhythm ready for the challenges ahead. Today’s ride starts with a downhill and gradual 21.5km climb to Passo Fumiaolo. Used in the Giro d’Italia as recently as 2017, this steady climb winds through thickly wooded slopes on quiet roads. Ascend one side, or tick off both! The long course offers the chance to climb the steeper side of Passo Fumaiolo!
DISTANCE | 80-112KM | 50-63MI
ELEVATION | 2000-2800M | 6550-9200FT

DAY THREE MON 9 SEP | LOOP TO PASSO MANDRIOLI

Another Giro d’Italia ascent today, as we head out on a loop to Passo Mandriolo. This is a shorter climb, only 12km, but the average gradient is higher. Remember, long day tomorrow.
DISTANCE | 54-85-95-115KM | 34-53-59-71MI
ELEVATION | 1400-1850-2300-2900M | 4600-6050-7550-9500FT

DAY FOUR TUE 10 SEP | BAGNO DI ROMAGNA TO VISERBELLA

A longer day in the saddle with the classic Giro climb to Carpegna. This was the “Pirate’s” favourite peak for ascent training. “The Carpegna is enough for me” he would say. The long route takes you out and back to the Cima di Carpegna, 15km with a maximum gradient of 15%! Bring on those bonus $$. Once we’re through Villagrande it’s all downhill!
DISTANCE | 105-125KM | 65-80MI
ELEVATION | 1700-2200M | 5550-7200FT

DAY FIVE WED 11 SEP | LOOP TO URBINO

Fantastic loops roughly following the Granfondo Squali course. Vincenzo Nibali, the ‘Shark’, is the ambassador for this popular event. This looks like a big day out. It IS a big day out, but the beginning and end add up to 40km of lovely flat terrain so you can spin your legs to warm-up and cool down. Brilliant views from Panoramica!
DISTANCE | 105-160KM | 65-100MI
ELEVATION | 1200-2400M | 3900-7850FT

DAY SIX THU 12 SEP | LOOP TO SAN MARINO

Fun day out as we ride the Individual Time Trial course of this year’s Giro d’Italia up to the picturesque republic of San Marino. After admiring the views, we’ll head onto the amazing village of San Leo for a closer look. No extra today (unless you want it) as tomorrow is the HUGE finale challenge! Relax in the pool and fuel up.
DISTANCE | 90KM | 56MI
ELEVATION | 1600M | 5200FT

DAY SEVEN FRI 13 SEP | NOVE COLLI CHALLENGE

The final challenge is to ride the Nove Colli Granfondo courses. This is no easy day out, but the scenery is fantastic and the rewards magnificent! Epic day and celebratory dinner to finish this year’s A4D cycling adventure.
DISTANCE | 130-205KM | 81-127MI
ELEVATION | 1850-3840M | 6070-12598FT

DAY EIGHT SAT 14 SEP | GOODBYE

Group transfer to Bologna, departing Viserbella at 10:00am. The transfer will take about 1.5 hours. We recommend that flights home are scheduled for mid-afternoon onwards.
Time to say farewell, until next time!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

FLIGHTS | INSURANCES | BIKE HIRE | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES | PRE- OR POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION