Granfondo Colnago

Thursday 01 January to Saturday 13 March 2010

Colnago is the name that epitomises Italian cycling - virtually every race on the calendar has been won on a Colnago. With names like Merckx, Saronni, Cipollini and Museuuw the roll call of Colnago’s riders reads like a who’s who of the last four decades of both Italian and World cycling. The 2009 edition will be the fifth Granfondo Colnago to be held in the rolling hills that surround the city of Piacenza in Emilia Romagna, Colnago’s home. This region is one of Italy’s hidden treasures, with its small mountains and lush green valleys it is the perfect location for a Granfondo.
Our Colnago long weekend will be based just outside Piacenza, a city that sits on the banks of the river Po, an hour’s drive to the south of Milan. This area is a great one for riding with lots of quiet rolling roads that offer many possibilities. On the Saturday will ride out into the foothills of the Ligurian Apennines, which lie to the south of Piacenza. This will be a good opportunity to reconnoitre some of the roads that the Gran Fondo uses the next day. Next morning, we ride the Granfondo or Mediofondo Colnago that run into the rolling hills and green valleys to the south of Piacenza. The courses cover 155km and 125km with 2700m and 1700m of climbing respectively, making either a challenging and rewarding test.

Tour Programme

Wednesday 10 March 2010 - Arrival in Piacenza and Preparation Collection of participants from Milan Airports and transfer to your hotel just outside Piacenza. Time to unpack; prepare bicycles and equipment for the next two days' group cycling and the 2009 Granfondo Colnago. 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 town.
Evening - Group dinner at hotel

Thursday 11 March 2010 - Group ride into the valleys and hills We will head south into the hills south west of Piacenza, taking in a few nice climbs. Lunch will be at the ancient town of Bobbio.
Evening - Dinner at a characteristic Piacentino restaurant.

Friday 12 March 2010 - Granfondo Colnago A relaxed start for the 10:00 hrs departure of the Granfondo. You will have the opportunity to test your skills and endurance by cycling the some challenging roads that make up the Granfondo Colnago
Evening - Celebration Dinner

Saturday 13 March 2010 - Departure from Piacenza Morning transfer of participants to Milan airports for the return flights home.

Tour Details

For this years event we have included 3 nights in a 3* hotel just outside Piacenza, all evening meals - including dinner in a traditional Piacentino restaurant, all transfers between Milan Airports and Piacenza on the Friday and the Monday. Race entry for the Granfondo or Mediofondo. 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 by the sea. For a precise break down see below.

Tour start date:Thursday 01 January 1970

Highlights: Ride the Granfondo Colnago in the fantastic Piacentino hills.

Included: 3 Nights in 3* hotel just outside of Piacenza.
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: £550.00 Single Room (including £165.00 deposit) - £500.00 Twin Room (including £150.00 deposit)