Day 1: Airport pick-up.

We will pick you up in the airport and bring you to our hotel Stella delle Alpi in Ronzone, Val di Non, Trentino. The hotel is situated 1.100 meters over see level and has a beautiful view over Val di Non and the surrounding Dolomites. Check out the hotel here.

Dag 1: Giro di Val di Non.

Distance: ca. 90 km, Acc. ascent: ca. 1.100 hm

Thursday we have planned a challenging but somewhat less demanding route. From Ronzone we'll descent to Lago Giustina and continue to Tuenno from where we'll head up to one of the most beautiful lakes in the area: Lago di Tovel (1.278 m). From there we will move on to San Romedio, a mystical and extraordinary sanctuary placed on a 300 feet cliff and guarded by real bears.

Day 2: Passo Palade – Castel Appiano - Passo della Mendola.
Distance: 110 km
Acc. ascent: 1.800 hm (2.200 hm)
Max. ascent 10% (16%)
Average ascent 6,5% (11%)

Monday we will initiate our training program with three ascents during an extraordinarily beautiful ride through South-Tyrol. Firstly, Passo Palade (4%), followed by Castel Appiano (tough) and Castel Firmiano, before we finish off with Passo della Mendola (1.398 m, 6%), a frequent guest in the Giro d'Italia itenerary (first time 1937).

Ambitious riders can continue to Monte Penegal (1.737 m) with an average of 11% ascent (max. 16%). Absolutely nasty! The view from up there is worth all the efforts.

Dag 3: Rundt om Dolomitti Brenta: Lago Molveno – Stenico - Madonna di Campiglio – Passo Campo Carlo Magno – Ronzone.  

Distance: 170 km.
Acc. ascent: 2.900 hm
Max. ascent: 10%
Average ascent: Madonna di Campiglio 6,5%

Wednesday we'll go around Dolomitti Brenta, a long but magnificent ride with lots of scenic views, lakes, waterfalls, castles and churches. This time of year the apple trees will be blossoming which transforms the entire valley into a flower heaven. We might even see bears because this is their last natural habitat in Italy.

• Sella di Andalo (1.041 m, 5,5%)
• Lago di Molveno (864 m)
• Castello di Stenico (XII century, 667 m)
• Lago Ponte Pias
• Madonna di Campiglio, Passo Campo Carlo Magno (1.682 m, 6,5%)

From Madonna di Campiglio we will have a breathtaking view to the two peaks Cima Tosa (3.173 m) and Cima Brenta (3.150 m).

Dag 4: The four Passes: Passo di Sella – Passo Gardena - Passo Campolongo – Passo Pordoi.

Distance: 95 km. Acc. ascent: 2.400 hm

Cycling does not get better than this! Tuesday offers one of the classic routes of the Eastern Dolomites. You will be challanged by four passes in one day - surrounded by the most beautiful and rugged mountains in the world. After a short bus ride we'll set off in:

• Cavalese (996 m)
• Canazei (1.465 m)
• Passo di Sella (2.240 meter, 6,8%)
• Passo Gardena (2.121 m, 4,2%)
• Corvara (1.522 m)
• Passo Campolongo (1.875 m)
• Passo Pordoi (2.239 meter, 6,6%)   

This route is a cycling experience for life!

Dag 6: Day off: Transport to Cesenatico. Fondriest bike factory.

In the morning we'll pack the bus and leave for Cesenatico. Half way down, we'll visit the factory in Cavarzere where the famous carbon frames of the Fondriest bikes are produced.
 
Dag 7: San Marino - The Adriatic See

The day before the Granfondo we'll do a shorter but scenic stage to the smallest state in Europe, San Marino, where we'll have lunch in one of the most impressive castles in Italy. Coming home, we will follow the coastline of the beautiful Adriatic See.

Dag 8: 38° Nove Colli - Marco Pantani

Start time: kl. 7.00. Either 205 or 130 km will be waiting for you. A super technical race where one hill comes after the other. To ride with 11.000 riders is an extraordinary experience! You will never (we guarantee!) ride alone! The endless snake of riders will pass several castles and medieval villages not to mention the famous river Rubicon where Julius Caesar supposedly said the words: "Lacta est alea" (the die is now cast!) when he was at the point of no return.

Check out the website here!

Dag 9: Home sweet home

Bustransport to the airport in Milano.