MONUMENTAL ROUES CHAUDES TOUR

You race, the Pro's race! During the autumn beauty of Italy's northern lakes, one of the monuments of Pro cycling takes place - the Giro di Lombardia.

We have an action packed bike holiday for you with sensational riding!
To start you can choose to ride the UCI Granfondo Tre Valli Varesine in Varese. A magnificent course through leafy woodland amid the hills and valleys of this beautiful area. Then watch the Pro's on a similar route, and the exciting sprint finish in the old streets of Varese. A great opportunity to be up close and personal with some famous riders as they complete their 'warm-up' for the monumental last race of the professional season, the Giro di Lombardia.

We then head to beautiful Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como, and settle in to await the glorious 'race of falling leaves'. Well, no sitting around! Ride along the lakeshore admiring the stand-out villas, climb Ghisallo and check-out the Muro di Sormano. The race arrives on Saturday, and we can choose where to cheer the Pro's on.

Andiamo!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

RECOMMENDED AIRPORTS

ARRIVAL MALPENSA DEPARTURE MALPENSA

FULL ITINERARY

DAY ONE SAT 3 OCT | WELCOME

Arrive in Varese and check-in to your lovely hotel, home for the next few days. GF Tre Valli Varesine contenders have registration, and course recce in the afternoon. Everyone welcome to join in for a warm-up ride on the beautiful roads around Varese.
DISTANCE | 50KM
ELEVATION | 600M

DAY TWO SUN 4 OCT | RACE OR RIDE

Fantastic day all round. We'll get those in the Granfondo off to a flying start, with a great ride for non-participants - off course! Recount your adventures of the day over a relaxing aperitivo and delicious dinner.
DISTANCE | 60KM | ELEVATION | 600M
RACE | 103 OR 130KM | ELEVATION 1500 OR 1993M

DAY THREE MON 5 OCT | LOOP TO BRINZIO

Let's spin the legs out on a scenic route along Lago di Varese, before turning up the leafy climb to Brinzio. For anyone who would like a little extra, we can easily accommodate you. The challenge of Sacro Monte or all the way to the top of Campo dei Fiori awaits! Brilliant downhill back into Varese.
DISTANCE | 50KM OR 60KM OR 70KM
ELEVATION | 600M OR 950M OR 1300M

DAY FOUR TUE 6 OCT | REST DAY, WATCH PRO RACE

Rest day! Sleep in, do some shopping, or watch the world go by from a cafe table. We'll watch the Pro race as it loops through town, before the super fast finish. Soak up the atmosphere and visit one of the team buses. Grab a chat and a selfie with some of the riders.

DAY FIVE WED 7 OCT | VARESE TO BELLAGIO

Magnificent ride from Varese to Lake Como via Lago Ceresio. We ride through Switzerland and Italy today, cycling north of Mendrisio, former home turf for Cadel Evans. A solid climb to Lanzo d'Intelvi before an awesome descent to the shores of stunning Lago di Como. The route finishes with a ferry ride, the very best way to arrive in beautiful Bellagio.
DISTANCE | 75KM
ELEVATION | 1100M

DAY SIX THU 8 OCT | LOOP OF LAKE COMO

A delightful change of pace as we do a loop of the northern end of Lake Como. Gorgeous views, flat lake shore stretches, and two ferry trips as we sail from side to side.
DISTANCE | 65KM
ELEVATION | 900M

DAY SEVEN FRI 9 OCT | LOOP TO GHISALLO

Options today! Climb to the famous Chapel of Madonna del Ghisallo. From there head to the Colma di Sormano, choosing to test yourself on the Muro or climb the easier route and take a look from the top end down. Great way to scout your vantage point if you want to watch the Pro's here tomorrow. All downhill back to Bellagio and a refreshing birra!
OR, test your limits on a longer and more challenging circuit that allows you to climb the Colma di Sormano from both sides, tracing the Giro 2019 route.
DISTANCE | 52KM OR 105KM
ELEVATION | 1400M OR 2700M

DAY EIGHT SAT 10 OCT | GIRO DI LOMBARDIA

We take a different route to the Ghisallo, for a new perspective of the Bellagio peninsula and then find a key spot to watch the race. Special celebration dinner to round off a fantastic week on the bike!
DISTANCE | 55KM
ELEVATION | 1400M

DAY NINE SUN 11 OCT | GOODBYE

Morning group transfer to Malpensa airport.
Time to say farewell, until next time!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

WHAT KIND OF CYCLISTS TAKE YOUR TOURS?

There is no mold! We have had cyclists from 18-72 years of age, some choosing easy, others choosing extremely challenging tours. We firmly believe we have something for almost all cycling abilities. Use our Difficulty Rating to help you select a tour that suits what you want. We're happy to talk it over with you if you're unsure.

HOW MUCH RIDING DO I HAVE TO DO?

As much or as little as you want. It’s your holiday. You determine how much you want to ride. You can, on any day, choose to cut a ride short, miss a climb, only do the downhills, have a rest day or ask for more! The van is always handy if you choose not to ride, and a guide is always willing to do some extra distance if you wish. You just need to ask.