Gazzetta Challenge Granfondo Giro di Lombardia

Friday 15 October to Monday 18 October 2010

Come to Como with Italian Cycling Tours and experience the final moments of the season, first hand. Then, suitably inspired, you can test your own abilities by cycling in the 2010 Gazzetta Challenge Giro di Lombardia on the same roads as Coppi, Bartoli, Bettini and Cunego in the Giro di Lombardia.
The long weekend is designed to give you the best experience of the closing race of the 2010 professional calendar. On the Saturday is the professionals turn, we will be out following the race (by bike) and aim to see them at least twice out on the course plus at the finish. Then on the Sunday it is your turn in either the Mediofondo (114km) or the Granfondo (147km) rides for you to challenge yourself against. While challenging, the scenery will take your mind off your pains. Once the bike ride is over, exhausted but exhilarated, you can reward yourself with the excellent cuisine and fine wines for which Italy is famous and enjoy the evening among like-minded people and savour your achievements.

Tour Programme

Friday 15 October 2010 - Arrival in Como and Preparation A 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 2008 Gazzetta dello Sport Challenge events 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.

Saturday 16 October 2010 - Group Tour of Lombardy We will head out towards the mountains that surround Como and hopefully catch a glimpse or two of the Giro di Lombardia as we head towards San Fedele d'Intelvi for a loop into the mountains and along the shores of Lake Como.
Evening: Dinner at a characteristic mountain refuge.

Sunday 17 October 2010 - The Gazzetta Challenge An early start for the 0830 hrs departure of the 2009 Gazzetta dello Sport Challenge. You (and 2000 other cyclists) will have the opportunity to test your skills and endurance by cycling the same challenging route and climbs that cycling heroes took in races of the past and your present cycling idols used the day before in the Giro di Lombardia.
Evening: Celebration Dinner

Monday 18 October 2010 - Departure from Como Morning transfer of participants to Milan Malpensa airport for the return flights home.

Tour Details

For this years event we have included 3 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:Friday 15 October 2010

Highlights:

Included: 3 Nights in 4* Hotel in the centre of Como.
Private transfers between Hotel and Malpensa Airport.
2 Dinners at hotel
1 Dinner at a mountain refuge
Race Entry.
Italian Cycling Tours Jersey.
Secure bike storage.
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: Wednesday 15 September 2010

Price Per Person: £550.00 Single Room (including £165.00 deposit) - £500.00 Twin Room (including £150.00 deposit)