UCI World Championships

Thursday 01 January to Saturday 13 March 2010

The 2009 World Road Race Championships are being held in Mendrisio, Switzerland, scene of Eddy Merckx’s 1971 victory over Felice Gimondi and Cyrille Guimard. This is your chance to see Allesandro Ballan and the Azzurri defend the title won in Varese in 2008. With 19 laps of the 13km course winding around this elegant city just inside Switzerland, this promises to be a highlight of the 2009 calendar. See the best riders from all over the world battle it out on the 13km course that winds around Mendrisio as they fight for the Rainbow jersey. Take the opportunity to do some riding around the Italian lakes as well.
The long weekend will be based in Como, the city that gives its name to the famous lake on which it is built. As Mendrisio is only 13km from Como and easily rideable, you will be able to move around the event without having to worry about being stuck in traffic as well as having maximum flexibility to see the racing as you wish. On the Saturday you will be able to see both the Men’s Under 23 and Women’s Elite Road Races. Then, on the Sunday, it is the Men’s Elite Road Race. Como and the surrounding area is a cyclist’s dream with the choice of gentle lakeside routes or more challenging mountainous rides. Over the weekend there will be plenty of time to sample these as well as soaking up the atmosphere as the Tifosi cheer on their heroes in Mendrisio.

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' cycling. 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 or on the edge of the lake.
Evening - Group dinner at hotel

Thursday 11 March 2010 - Elite Woman & U23 Mens Road Race We will leave the hotel and take the opportunity to explore some of the riding around Lake Como, before then heading to Mendrisio to see the end of the Elite Womens race and the U23 Mens Road Race out on the course.
Evening - Dinner at a characteristic Comasco restaurant.

Friday 12 March 2010 - Elite Mens Road Race This morning we will head north on the edge of Lake Como, before climbing over the mountain to Mendrisio. Once there we will be able to see the Elite Mens Road Race. Once completed we will head back to Como.
Evening – Group Dinner at local resturant.

Saturday 13 March 2010 - Departure from Como Morning transfer of participants to Milan Malpensa airport for the return flights home.

Tour Details

We have included 3 nights in a 4* hotel in the centre of Como, all evening meals - including dinner in a traditional Comasco restaurant, all transfers between Como and Milan Malpensa Airport on the Friday and the Monday. An exclusive Italian Cycling Tours cycling jersey. On top of all that, a unique weekend of riding, watching and living the good life. For a precise break down see below.

Tour start date:Thursday 01 January 1970

Highlights: See the UCI World Road Race Championship live
Ride in the hills around Lake Como

Included: 3 Nights in 4* Hotel in the centre of Como.
Private transfers between Hotel and Milan Malpensa Airport.
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: £TBA Single Room (including £0.00 deposit) - £TBA Twin Room (including £0.00 deposit)