Enjoy a visit to the real professional cyclists at the Giro d’Italia, see the arrive of the stage and have a dinner with Lampre Team at night after the stage!

Daily workouts with our team of professionals in preparation of the GranFondo Nove Colli (registration included in the package), the most competitive race in Italy with something like 12000 cyclists like you!

This Giro d’Italia and Nove Colli Bike Tour is open to riders of high level. Rides carry you through some of the Emilia Romagna finest roads. You will pass through rolling terrain, along streams, through vineyards and horse farms. We will have the opportunity to live a Giro d’Italia stage from the inside of a pro team like Lampre-Merida. We will see the final part of the 11th stage Forlì- Imola and, next day, the beginning  of the 12th stage from Imola to Vicenza. We will conclude the week by participating in the Granfondo Nove Colli with other 12000 cyclists!

In Cesenatico there are beaches with lots of facilities where you can relax but also find things to do, such as shopping at the market or a visit to the old town centre with its charming Canal Port, which was designed in 1502 by the great Leonardo da Vinci.

Tour By Day

Day 1: 18th May, Monday

We recommend you arrive by 2pm at our hotel in Cesenatico. Included in the package we offer the pickup at the  airports of Milan or Bologne.

After dropping of your bike and a brief check-in process, you’ll join the BBT coaching staff and fellow riders for a preview of the week ahead and a dinner.

Day 2: 19th May, Tuesday

In the morning we will leave for a nice tour around Cesenatico. Stretch your legs and get used to the local  roads of Emilia Romagna in preparation for the upcoming Nove Colli Gran Fondo.

Cesenatico is a tourist resort town with over 20.000 inhabitants, right on the Adriatic coast of Italy. It is located in the Emilia Romagna district, about 30 km south of Ravenna. Cycling around the beautiful resort town of Cesenatico goes back a long way.

Day 3: 20th May, Wednesday

Be prepared to watch a live Giro d’Italia Stage. Enjoy the fast sprint at the arrival line in Imola and meet the champions! We will have the opportunity to visit the Lampre-Merida Team and have a chat with the riders and staff. In the evening we will join the team for a dinner.

Day 4: 21th May, Thursday

After our daily breakfast we will go to the start of the 12th stage of the Giro in Imola. You’ll feel the original atmosphere of the biggest italian cycling event! In the afternoon we will learn the “secrets” of the training with our coaches.

Day 5: 22h May, Friday

Many professional cyclists have trained in the hills around the town; including the iconic Italian hero Marco Pantani who was born in Cesenatico. From the hills to the sea : you can find out all about the inland and the traditions of local Romagna cuisine. Cesenatico has cycle routes for expert cyclists but also for beginners. Here you find the perfect mix of plains, hills and mountains which are great for cyclists even in the colder months.

Day 6: 23h May, Saturday

It’s the day before the Nove Colli Granfondo! We will spend our time to actively recover to be ready for the race. Just an easy training to prepare the legs.

Day 7: 24th May, Sunday

Finally, the day of the race! After an early breakfast this is your moment! It’s time to use your energy and replace it with the emotions of the race.
There are two different course lengths:

• Granfondo Nove Colli Long distance 200 km; 3480m total altitude Total up 89km Total down 77km Flat 34km
• Mediofondo 130 km; 1871m total altitude Total up 50km Total down 46km Flat 34km

The most complex and famous route of the Nove Colli covers 200 km and 9 uphill stretches. Truly complex, but with two variants, an easier one for beginners and a tougher one for the more athletic. The ride starts from Cesenatico and goes to Forlimpopoli, where the route takes an uphill turn as far as Bertinoro. The slope gets particularly tough in the stretch towards Polenta, with climb gradients up to 15%. You carry on in the direction of Mercato Saraceno and the third hill on the route, the Ciola. True athletes’ legs are really put to the test in the area around the Barbotto, 6 km uphill that culminate in a stretch with an 18% slope. You get to the sixth hill, Montetiffi, with yet more tough stretches to overcome, then on to the seventh hill, Pugliano, 787 metres above sea level, the highest point on the entire route. You then head on to the eighth hill, the Passo Siepi, then on to the ninth, the Gorolo, with 13 to 17% gradient stretches. GOOD LUCK!

In the afternoon you are free to continue your trip or we will be happy to bring you to the Rimini, Forlì, Bologna or Florence Airport.