Bike Force Tour of Italy 1

Bike Force – Discovery Tour of Italy 2012

Tour One: Lazio/Emilia Romagna/Veneto – Featuring Nove Colli Granfondo 13th May 2012 – 26th May 2012 Arrive: Rome Malpensa Airport and transfer to Fiuggi Depart: Milan Malpensa Airport Fiuggi:

4 nights–3 rides (13th May)

A great destination for historical as well as natural treasures, the town rises on a hill at the base of the slopes of Monti Ernici, in the southeast corner of Lazio near the Abruzzo border. The medieval borgo is encircled by a thick acreage of chestnut, oak, maple, spruce-fir, pine and sequoia forest that extends toward an immense valley of green meadows. In the middle ages the city was structured

around the castle that loomed over the landscape from the promontory. Several noble Roman families dominated Fiuggi’s flourishing agricultural economy, from the Caetani to the Sforza, to the Borgia, and, finally, the Colonna, who held onto it until 1816. In 1911 Fiuggi’s natural springs were evaluated for the curative elements in the water in 1913 the town became home to one of Europe’s most prestigious thermal spas

The charming villages surround Fiuggi, with their religious and artistic monuments and their hills and natural environments offer visitors a breathtaking view. Over the years, Fiuggi has played an important role in the world of professional cycling, with two of the most important Italian races, “Giro d’Italia” and the “Tirreno-Mediterranean sea race” having included Fiuggi.

“If it was not for the fact that Eve is not here offering you an apple, you would thing you

were in Earthly Paradise” ….Ferdinand Greforovius’s

Cesanatico: - 5 nights – 4 rides

(17th May)

Cesanatico was founded in 1302 as the port of the city of Cesena, which is 14 km from the coast. Since

then, Cesenatico has changed a lot, but in many ways not at all. In any case, Cesenatico has never lost its fishing village atmosphere at the centre of the Adriatic coast. The charming canal port with its coloured sailing ships and "floating maritime museum" crosses the entire town. The settings and particular structure of the hinterland of Romangna offer a lot of possibilities for challenges and sightseeing: from the high crest to long downhills towards the sea. These places are a natural gym where a lot of champions grew up and trained. First of all was Marco Pantani. While in Cesantico there is the opportunity to be part of the Granfondo Nove Colli. This event has a start list of 12,000 cyclists who roll off the

start line in 8 different groups. You make your choice at the 100km mark to heroically complete the 135km course or continue on to the legend status for the full 205kms. This event is the Queen of all Granfondo’s and will provide an experience not to be missed regardless of your being fast or slow.

Our hotel in Cesanatico is located on the beach so a quick dip after the ride is there for the taking.

Revine Lago: - 4 nights – 3 rides-

(22nd May)

Anyone who visits this region will immediately notice how cycling is a part of everyday life in the region of Veneto. It has all the character and architectural charm you would expect of Italy without the hoards of tourists. Away from traffic and noise we find a choice of challenging alpine passes or gentle roads through Prosseco and Cabernet vineyards. At the foot of the Dolomites Alps and looking at the plain leading to Venice and the Adriatric

beaches, this region offers some of the finest cycling in Europe. For those wanting to explore the region, we are also only an hour away from the splendour of Venice or the beaches of the Adriatic.

Transfer to Malpensa Airport- (26th May)

Tour One inclusions: Group Airport transfers on arrival and departure

Twin Share Accommodation Breakfast at each location

Dinner at each location Final night dinner in Revine Lago

Trip to Pinarello bike factory Entry to Nove Colli Granfondo

Experienced guides Exclusive Tour jersey

A lot of fun and as much or as little riding as you want!

Tour Cost - $3500 of which $500 is

required as a deposit at time of booking

Airfares are not included. Our travel agent Annie Morrison can be contacted at

[email protected] to arrange flights.