Granfondo Fabio Casartelli

Thursday 01 January to Friday 12 March 2010

Who can forget the scenes of the 1995 Tour de France? Fabio Casartelli had already made a big impression by winning the 1992 Olympic road title. But on the descent of Col de Portet-d'Aspet, his life was brutally cut short. His memory lives on in La Granfondo Fabio Casartelli, which is organised every year to raise funds for the foundation that was set up after his death. The event starts in his home town of Albese con Cassano near Como and takes in some of the same roads ridden by Casartelli.
The long weekend is designed to give you the some of the best riding to be had around Lake Como. On the Saturday we will head out for a ride along the shore of Lake Como, taking the opportunity to take in some of the less known climbs. Then on the Sunday it is the Granfondo (115km) ride for you to challenge yourself against the slopes that rise up from Lake Como, taking in the famous climbs of the Ghisallo and Sormano.

Tour Programme

Wednesday 10 March 2010 - Arrival in Como and Preparation Collection of participants from Milan Malpensa Airport and transfer to your hotel in Como. Time to unpack, prepare bicycles and equipment for the next two days' group cycling tour and the 2009 Granfondo Casartelli and also relax a little from your journey. If you cannot wait to check out the immediate locality then you can take a short cycle ride on your own or take a stroll through the city.
Evening - Group dinner at hotel.

Thursday 11 March 2010 - Group ride along the edges of Lake Como. We will head north out of Como on one of the lake roads, taking the opportunity to take in some stunning views and some of the less well known climbs along the shores of Lake Como.
Evening: Dinner at a characteristic mountain refuge.

Friday 12 March 2010 - Granfondo Casartelli. An early start for the 08:00 hrs departure of the Granfondo. You will have the opportunity to test your skills and endurance by cycling the challenging course that takes in 2 difficult climbs. Late afternoon transfer of participants to Milan Malpensa airport for the return flights home.

Tour Details

For this years event we have included 2 nights in a 4* hotel in the centre of Como, all evening meals - including dinner in a mountain chalet above Lake Como, all transfers between Como and Malpensa Airport on the Friday and the Monday. Race entry for the Mediofondo or Granfondo. Plus an exclusive Italian Cycling Tours cycling jersey. On top of all that, hopefully one of the best times you have ever had on a bike. For a precise break down see below.

Tour start date:Thursday 01 January 1970

Highlights: Ride the Granfondo Fabio Casartelli in the hills around Lake Como.

Included: 2 Nights in 3* Hotel in the centre of Como.
Private transfers between Hotel and Milan Airports.
1 Dinner at hotel.
2 Dinners at a traditional restaurants.
Race Entry.
Italian Cycling Tours Jersey.
Secure bike storage.
Full mechanical assistance.
Fluent Italian speaking guide.

Not included: Airline Flights
Lunches.
Wine & Beer etc at Dinner.
Anything not listed in the 'Included' section above.

Max/Min Number of guests: 10 to 15

Deadline for booking: Monday 08 February 2010

Price Per Person: £450.00 Single Room (including £135.00 deposit) - £425.00 Twin Room (including £127.50 deposit)