Granfondo Pantani

Friday 25 June to Monday 28 June 2010

Now in its fifth year the GF Marco Pantani commemorates one of cycling’s most inspiring yet misunderstood characters. Pantani, whose bandana and attacking style earned him the nickname ‘Il Pirata’, came to prominence in the 1994 Giro stage to Aprica. Since his tragic death in 2004 Aprica has hosted the Gran Fondo which climbs two of the iconic climbs that Pantani forged his reputation on.
The long weekend will be based in Aprica, a town in the Italian Alps, famous for its ski slopes and mountain air. On the Saturday we will ride out of Aprica and do some gentle climbs, saving our legs for the Granfondo the day after. On the Sunday, there is a choice of three distances - at 175km and 155km respectively the Granfondo and Mediofondo both climb two of the most famous passes in the area, the Gavia and Mortirolo. There is also the 85km Fondo, which climbs the Gavia, decisive in Andy Hampsten’s 1988 Giro win.

Tour Programme

Friday 25 June 2010 - Arrival in Aprica and Preparation ollection of participants from Bergamo Airport and transfer to your hotel in Aprica. Time to unpack; prepare bicycles and equipment for the next two days' group cycling and the 2010 Granfondo Pantani. 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

Saturday 26 June 2010 - Group ride in the mountains We will head west out of Aprica and descend down the valley to Edolo and the start of the climb up to the Passo del Tonale, once at the top we will turn around and ride back to Aprica. The route will be the same out and back meaning that everyone can ride as far as they wish and save themselves for the day after.
Evening - Dinner at hotel.

Sunday 27 June 2010 - Gran and Mediofondo Pantani early start for the 07:00 hrs departure of the Granfondo Pantani. You will have the opportunity to test your skills and endurance by cycling the same challenging roads that Pantani made his name on.
Evening - at a characteristic Alpine restaurant.

Monday 28 June 2010 - Departure from Aprica Morning transfer of participants to Bergamo airport for the return flights home.

Tour Details

For this years event we have included 3 nights in a 3/4* hotel in the centre of Aprica, all evening meals - including dinner in a traditional Alpine Chalet restaurant, all transfers between Aprica and Bergamo Airport on the Friday and the Monday. Race entry for the Gran 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 in the mountains. For a precise break down see below.

Tour start date:Friday 25 June 2010

Highlights: Ride the Granfondo Pantani in the beautiful Alpine mountains.
Challenge yourself on some of the hardest climbs in the Alps.

Included: 3 Nights in 4* Hotel in the centre of Aprica.
Private transfers between Hotel and Milan Airports.
1 Dinner at hotel.
1 Dinner at a traditional restaurant.
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: Wednesday 26 May 2010

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