epic giro - Abu Dhabi Cycling Club

Ride the Italian legendary climbs in the challenge of a cycling lifetime!

Epic Giro

A COMBINATION OF STUNNING SCENERARY, WORLD CLASS CYCLING AND FABULOUS HOSPITALITY IN OUR BEST OF THE ALPS AND DOLOMITES TOUR The Dolomites and Alps are probably the finest places to ride your bike anywhere in Europe. Staggering scenery, challenging riding, and the warmest of welcomes will leave you with lifelong cycling memories. Two mountain ranges draped across Northern Italy, the Dolomites and Alps offer a majestic backdrop to the adventurous cyclist. The proximity to Switzerland and Austria makes them truly intriguing places offering a rich tapestry of languages, cuisine, and architecture. We have handcrafted a tour that allows clients to enjoy the most iconic mountains in Italy.

  • Ride the Stelvio from the classic side.
  • Mortirolo and Passo Gavia
  • Be thrilled by Sella Ronda (Pordoi, Passo Sella, Campolongo and Gardena)
  • Enjoy the challenge of riding Fedaia
  • Savour a typical Alpine dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants
  • Two magnificent hotels. No drama, less pickles and more riding
  • Sunrise ride. The early bird catches the worm in Dolomites!

**Advanced & intermediate**

Total ride km– 360

Average km per day – 60

Days on bike – 6

Airport – Bologna

Day 1 Moena

Ride: 40km | 150 elevation

You will be met by one of our friendly team at Verona airport before being transferred north to our hotel in Canazei. On arrival our staff will be on hand to support those who have brought their own bike and also bike fit those who are hiring bikes. The afternoon ride will take in an easy 40km loop heading south towards Moena. This flat (ish) ride is perfect to stretch the legs and savour some spectacular scenery and enjoy a few km’s on one of the best cycle paths anywhere in Europe. Dinner this evening will be served in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 Passo Fedaia

Ride: 67km | 1938 Elevation

The joy of waking up, opening the window and looking out over the Dolomites. It would not be an exaggerating to say that for some of our clients this is a life changing moment. The majesty of the mountains, the calm yet power of these spectacular peaks is something very special. After breakfast we take on our first climb of the week. Passo Pordoi, 10km of steady 8% climbing before a long descent in to Arabba. It is here that you will start the epic Fedaia Pass. A mythical climb that has one of the jewels of the Dolomites cross at the top. The Marmolada glacier. A place to take photo’s and enjoy the wonder of the glacier.

Day 3 Passo Giau

Ride: 77km | 2305 Elevation

There are few places more stunning and challenging to ride than Passo Giau. Postcard perfect riding awaits guest today as we leave Canazei and head north towards Arabba (30minute transfer). The landscape and quality of the rides is a hallmark of the Dolomites as is the wildlife and wild flowers. The first 20km along the valley before climbing the ‘classic side’ of Passo Giau. The decent in towards Cortina is amongst the best in the Dolomites, the final climb of the day from the ‘easy side’ is Falzarego

Day 4 Sella Ronda

Ride: 62km | 2430 Elevation

Another beautiful ride awaits after a lazy breakfast. Today you will ride Sella Ronda. World famous amongst both road cyclists and MTB riders. This really is cycling paradise for riders of all abilities. Of all the rides that we do throughout the year non has the beauty and equal challenge of Sella Ronda. Starting with Passo Pordoi and finishing with the seemingly endless Campolongo this is a ride to test the stamina of any cyclist. The profile of the ride speaks for itself. Today you are either riding uphill or down! In truth and the appeal of Sella Ronda is the gradients to be ridden are not ‘steep’. This is a day like no other. Those that complete Sella Ronda look back on a marvelous achievement.

Day 5 Lago Di Carezza

Ride: 52km | 1120 Elevation

After two back to back days in the saddle of epic challenge today we offer something a little more tranquil. We once again head south along Val di Fassa before taking a sharp right and the climb up to Lago di Carezza. No lake in the Dolomites says please come in swim in me more than Lago di Carezza. With crystal clear blue water, mountain back drop and Alpine trees surrounding the Lake this is the place to pause, take photos and soak in all that is good about the world. The descent back to Canazei once again allows you to enjoy great roads and cycle paths collectively. Tonight we will enjoy a celebratory dinner and maybe the best glass of the local wine as we celebrate together the achievement of riding some of the most famous roads in Europe. Some clients may however like an early night as tomorrow morning, before we depart, we offer a unique experience to enjoy the Dolomites in our short but sweet sunrise ride.

Day 6 Bormio

Ride: Lake Cancano (optional) 40km | 550m Elevation

Sadly it’s time to say goodbye to the Dolomites. In the late morning we transfer over to the high Alps and in particular Bormio. On route we will stop for lunch in Aprica. Aprica is world famous for the many Giro d’Italia stages it has hosted. A small ski resort in the winter, it is a place worth also exploring in the summer. The perfect place to pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home. After lunch we continue through Valtellina before reaching the undoubted favourite hotel of our staff, Hotel Alpen. If time permits we will head out on an evening spin up to Lake Cancano before dinner.

Day 7 Passo Stelvio

All good things

After a hearty breakfast we will set off from the hotel in the direction of the Stelvio but not before your guides will take you on a 20km relatively flat ride before tackling your first challenge of the weekend. The Stelvio. Over 21km of ascent awaits the brave as the group head for the summit of Europe’s highest paved pass. Nothing can prepare you for the challenge of the Stelvio however our guides will be on hand to set the pace as will our support team and vehicles which will be well positioned on the mountain to offer bottles, nutrition and a verbal support On reaching the summit you will be met by the team who will be waiting for you with a warm drink and our professional photographer will be snapping away providing you with proof to your friends and family you completed the first challenge of the week. The descent back down the Stelvio is one to be enjoyed and respected, be sure to take in the epic views of snow capped mountains, alpine lakes and endless switch back roads. On return to Hotel Alpen riders will have the time to use the spa and wellness facilities before dinner and ride briefing which will once again be delivered after dessert.

Day 8 Mortirolo And Gavia

Ride : 111km | 3788m Elevation
An early start this morning as we assemble after breakfast outside the hotel ready for your second challenge. A challenge that for many will be by far the hardest physical effort of their lives. From Bormio you will immediately start climbing towards the summit of Passo Gavia. At over 2600m this is sure to be a test for those that still have a little ‘Stelvio’ in their legs.

The Gavia offers riders the chance to feel the essence of riding mountains, unlike the Stelvio with it’s wider roads and excellent road surface the Gavia has narrower and uneven road surfaces that make the experience of riding even more magical. The last 2 kms offer some respite to tide legs as the roads gradient eases. On arrival at the summit our team will be waiting for you and ready to distribute warm clothes for the descent down into Ponte Di Legno. More than 30km of descending needs to be completed before reaching the bottom of Mortirolo. Whilst the summit is ‘only’ 1800m the severity of the incline (20 percent) in sections has made Mortirolo famous world wide. Needless to say all those that reach the summit of Mortirolo can consider themselves to have done something very special. The ride back to the Bormio along Valtellina is one to enjoy in the knowledge that you have ridden one of the great days of your cycling lifetime.

Day 9 Livigno

Ride: 120km | 2650m Elevation

Our last day on the bike is in fact the longest of the week. Our route this morning takes us to the tax free town of Livigno. Indeed 1600m of climbing today is ridden in the first 40km of this 120km day. The descent to Livigno is particularly splendid. Our most southernly point is Tirano. Famed for it’s railway and apples. The last 40km is rolling roads through beautiful villages and towns as you head north back to Bormio. This evening dinner is taken in the knowledge that you have completed an incredible four days of cycling in the high Alps of Italy.

Day 10 - Farewell

Destinations: Milan Malpensa Airport

All good things must come to an end. Your private transfer will be arranged for you and your bike at a convenient time to arrive in the airport in plenty of time.

What’s Included?

• Private Transfers
• 4* Spa Accommodation
• IBT Gift Bundle
• Experienced team of professionals
• Beautifully planned rides
• 8 Dinners
• Mechanical support
• Expert Guide
• Support Vehicle

What’s Not Included?

• Travel insurance
• Flights

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