Giro Dolomiti plus Stelvio
Giro Dolomiti / Stelvio + Lake Como option
September 9 - 17 2023
2023 will mark our tenth year of riding in the incredible Dolomites and our new and flexible ride format means it will be our best ever. 7 fantastic days of riding in the most stunning scenery you're likely to ever come across. All the classic climbs of the beautiful Dolomites as well as a dramatic climax to the trip on Stelvio, Mortirolo and Gavia. We are also very excited to offer a 2 night extension option to this trip where we'll enjoy the spectacular and iconic riding around Lake Como.
The schedule
Saturday September 9
Arrival into Venice airport and short transfer (1 hour 15 minutes) to our ride start town of Bassano de Grappa
Sunday September 10
Bassano del Grappa to Agordo
The magnificent Monte Grappa will be our first challenge of this tour providing a spectacular and tough start. A long descent follows towards Feltre before our lovely afternoon of climbing takes us up to the Forcella Franchi before descending to Agordo.
Standard Route 100kms and 2500m climbing
Challenge Route 120kms and 3300m climbing
Monday September 11
Agordo to Cortina d'Ampezzo
A valley ride to start the day as we pass through the beautiful lakeside town of Alleghe. Then we'll scale the epic Passo Giao before descending to Cortina. From Cortina we'll climb the Passo Tre Croce before having the dilemmna of whether to take on the option challenge of the fearson Tre Cime di Lavaredo! Whatever happens you'll face a a very pleasant descent all the way back to Cortina for our overnight stop.
Standard Route 100kms and 2500m climbing
Challenge Route 120kms and 3000m climbing
Tuesday September 12
Cortina - Canazei
Today we'll head out of Cortina and up Passo Falzarego. Decending down the other side well join the Sella Ronda loop at Arraba where we'll scale the Passo Campolongo. A pretty descent down to Corvara will then lead us into the climb of the Passo Gardena. Passo Sella will complete a stunning day of scenic and challenging riding. We descend down to Canazei for the first of 2 nights that we'll stay there.
Standard Route 80kms and 2300m climbing
Challenge Route 115 kms and 3000m climbing
Wednesday September 13
Canazei to Canazei
Passo Pordoi will be our first challenge of the day with it's seemingly never ending bends to look forward to. After a long descent to Caprile we'll then tackle to infamous Passo Fedaia with it's very tough climax.
Standard Route 70kms and 2000m climbing
Challenge Route 110kms and 3000m climbing
Thursday September 14
Canazei to Schlanders
The transition day! A long and contrasting day as we ride away from the Dolmites and into the Sud Tirol area in preparation for our assault on Stelvio the follow day. Most of the climbing will be done early in the day followed by lots of flatter ridiing through the apple orchards between Bolzano and Merano.
Friday September 15
Schlanders to Bormio
Stelvio is the focus of the day with it's famous and spectacular 48 hairpins. Lunch on the top after a truly memorable morning. We'll descend down to Bormio where we'll spend the next 2 nights. The afternoon will be filled with more ride options to keep you busy including the spectacular and lesser known climb up to Lago delle Scale.
Standard Route 65kms and 1800m climbing
Challenge Route 100km and 2600m climbingSchlanders to Bormio
Saturday September 16
Bormio - Bormio
A stunning, iconic and very challenging day. The fearsome Mortirolo will more than provide our morning's entertainment followed by the incredible and wild Passo Gavia. A long descent back to Bormio will complete a very memorable day.
108kms and 2700m climbing
Sunday September 17
Transfers to Milan Malpensa airport for riders completing the trip. For riders enjoying the Lake Como extension to this trip we'll ride down the valley from Bormio to the banks of the lake. This is a fast and flat valley ride of around 120kms which will be appreciated after the previous day's exploits! There will be some climbing options towards the end of the ride for those that are keen to fully maximise the stunning views.
Monday September 18
Today is all about the absolute highlights of Lake Como. Beautiful lakeside riding to warm the legs up followed by the iconic climbs of Passo del Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano. Both these climbs are an integral part of the Giro di Lombardia classic race in October. The Ghisallo's 10.6 km @ 5.2% will allow us to savour the stunning views of the lake. At the top of the Ghisallo will be a chance to visit the world famous cycling museum. Muro di Sormano and it's 2km @15% will be a challenge for anyone and a fitting way to complete our adventures.
Tuesday September 19
Return transfers to MIlan Airport.
Cost £1845 (Giro Dolomiti + Stelvio)
£2095 (Giro Dolomiti + Stelvio + Lake Como)
What's included in the trip?
- Transfers from Venice Airport (Marco Polo) and to a choice of Milan airports.
- 8 (10*) nights twin share accommodation in carefully selected 2 and 3 star hotels
- 7 (9*) days of supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support and guiding on all days)
- All breakfasts and dinners
- Informal evening lectures available from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events
- Energy drinks and snacks available at all times
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
Who is this trip aimed at?
This is a challenging trip with some steep and sustained climbs. The format of the trip means that riders will have plenty of flexibility on most days to take on a 'standard' route or an extra 'challenge' route. This flexibility means that stronger riders will have the opportunity to be as challenged as they wish whereas more moderate level riders will still be able to enjoy riding in this incredible region. Distances and amount of climbing will vary each day but as a guide each day will be between 70 - 130km and 2000-3000m of climbing. Those riders taking on the 'standard' route that we offer can expect to ride around 600km in the 7 days with around 13000m of climbing. Those taking on all the 'challenge' options will be looking at around 800kms and 18000m climbing.
The Lake Como extension to this trip will add 2 exta days of riding totalling around 230km riding and 2000m climbing.
VAM rating
We use VAM as one way of determining a rider's level and therefore their suitability for a given tour. Riders on this trip should be capable of climbing at a rate of around 700m on a long climb. This does not mean that riders have to ride at this level for the duration of the trip but it's simply a measure of what a rider is capable of when they are at or close to their limit. Find out more about VAM in our Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you would like to book into this trip or to find out more information
