Ciclismo Classico has a Campione series of tours specifically for those looking for the action of racing and doing some serious (and seriously cool) riding. Here's a bit more perspective on what these are all about from one who's been there, done that and has a lot more than a t-shirt to show from it...and can't wait to go back.
The Things You'll Experience at the Giro d'Italia and at the Tour
Senior guide & trip specialist Enrico Pizzorni provides his insights on following the Giro d'Italia and race in France.
Tell me what the Follow the Giro d'Italia tour is like.
Enrico: The Giro itinery is just beautiful. There is a terrific balance of watching the stages and riding the famous passes. When it's possible, during the week of the trip, we watch three to four stages and several times try to be at the King of the Mountain or mountain top finishes. This way, we enjoy the spectators, food, drinking & effort of the riders. It's important to catch the moments at the end of the stages. It's very exciting to feel the power of the racers. It's amazing that people can pedal that fast or take those kinds of risks.
Tell me about the start of the trip.
Enrico: The first 3 nights are in the same hotel and we see 3 stages of the Giro. This is maximum comfort. There is a cable car next to the hotel that goes to the top of the mountain for the finish of one stage. The hardest climb is Monte Zoncolan--likely the hardest in Europe, it's incredibly hard. The option of riding to the top exists, but most people take the cable car to the top. We know the back roads so our support van can get to places closer to the race without being on the course.
Whether you get to a mountain top via cable car or bike, what's it like waiting for the racers?
Enrico: After riding to the top, there are BBQs, parties, the fun part starts during the waiting. Very often we get involved in the celebrations. We are purposely a small group and aim to mingle with the crowd. There are vans that sell food, panini and other edible items. Villages organize stands of their products and hand-crafts. Not always, but often.
There is a swarm of vehicles preceding the racers--media, cops, race officials. Then there is a moment of silence. There is an indescribable adrenaline rush, in this moment when time is suspended. You begin to hear the roar of the people below you who are cheering for the racers coming through, you hold your breath and then the cyclists appear before you--and you become part of the race.
What is the riding like for CC guests?
Enrico: The first day at Mount Zocolan, the ride is around 60 miles - 30 miles to the race & 30 to get home. The next day the race is very close to where we stay so the ride is 20-30 miles. On the other days, the riding is 40-60 miles. The days on the trip when we don't see the live race, we ride on the course that was ridden the day before by the racers or where they will be the following day or we ride historical cycling routes. There are some roads that were used in previous editions of the Giro d'Italia that aren't included in the current year so it's cool to ride those, too. Throughout each day, there is always the feeling of being part of the competition. Often we stop in the afternoon--we find a bar where we can watch the Giro on tv and enjoy a fresh beer.
Who is this trip for?
The trips where we follow the races are unique and different from the other Ciclismo Classico trips because they are for people with a passion for professional cycling or the curiosity to be part of the event. They are for advanced riders and we get good, quality miles in on our bikes when we aren't watching the stages.
Learn more about the Follow the Giro d'Italia | Request Detailed Itinerary
Another option is to follow That Race in France. Tell me about the Ciclismo trip to the Tour.
Enrico: The Tour de France is one of the biggest annual events, second only to the World Cup soccer and the Olympics. The number of fans is enormous. For that reason, there are certain stages of the tour that are better when watched on tv like the Alp d'Huez. It's no fun to be stuck at the top of the mountain for hours after the racers have passed through. We often take the road and climbs that are the best for viewing the race and having fun--not being crushed by the crowd. We make sure people have the richest memories of being part of the race to bring back from the trip, that's what's most important. We see more sprint finishes and time trials at the TDF.
What are you looking forward to for this year's TDF?
Enrico: This year the Tour has a significant portion in Italy, so the first few nights are there where we enjoy Italian food and tradition. Then we get into the French alps where they feature 2 amazing climbs--the Col d'Agnello & Col d'Izoard. Col d'Izolard is an icon in cycling, an Hors category climb and it has been raced in the TDF since 1922. Made famous by Fausto Coppi in the 1952 tour. When we're in France, we eat great French cheeses and a diet that includes veggies, meat, fish and alpine cuisine.
What is the atmosphere like at the Tour de France?
Enrico: This takes place when the French are off from work so many people follow the TDF. We see many families and people who don't particularly care about the race, but who want to be there. It's similar to the American's 4th of July, it's like a 3-week national holiday. It's definitely a cross-cultural event, we meet people from all over France, Italy and the world. Because it's such a well-attended event, it's a little harder to be as close to the racers as you can be at the Giro d'Italia, but still, the feeling is similar when waiting for the racers to come, that time when the time stands still...it's priceless and the adrenaline can't be beat.
Who is this trip for?
Again, the trips where we follow the races are unique and different from the other Ciclismo Classico trips because they are for people with a passion for professional cycling or the curiosity to be part of the event. They are for advanced riders and we get good, quality miles in on our bikes when we aren't watching the stages. This itinerary is a little less challenging than the Giro d'Italia itinerary.
Learn more about Follow the Race in France | Request Detailed Itinerary
Maratona of the Dolomites
The Maratona of the Dolomites is one of the most important one-day European amateur road races held on legendary Italian roads in the striking Dolomites. Over 20,000 people submit their names to the lottery for the opportunity to start; approximately 9,000 people actually do. This race, consisting of three different course distances (34 miles, 66 miles and 86 miles), is successful because of the spectacular setting and also because it has become "not only a competition but a celebration of the sport." Ciclismo Classico takes a group of cyclists to the Maratona each year and we want you to be part of this tremendous experience with us.
Kerrie Siemens, Ciclismo Classico 9-time alum, has raced the Maratona three times. The first time, she had no idea what to expect. She's a strong bike rider, but didn't have prior experience racing. She was completely wowed by the people she met from all over the world (43 countries were represented last year). The camaraderie she experienced throughout the race amongst racers was unlike any she's ever experienced. She was also impressed at how the encouragement came from the other racers. Kerrie has cycled all over the world, but she explains, "Each time I do the Maratona, it's the best day of riding in my life...every single time!" She describes the Maratona as an extremely well-organized event and one that pulls at her heart strings when she thinks about it.
Kerrie also has a special place in her heart for Ciclismo's guides. She said, "They say the guides make the trip and it's so true. They answer all of our questions and they know nearly everything about the regions we're in. It's imperative that a guide speak the language and they do. They always go way above and beyond." She travels solo on the Maratona and other Ciclismo trips, though is anything but alone. She said she always feels like a valued part of the group. She also noted that the guides are strong on the bike so she enjoys the interactions with them on the bike.
Be part of European racing at its best and sign up for The Maratona. In order to ensure your spot in the race, we need all names before February 28. If your companion is a non-rider or prefers not to participate, we have a package available. Ask us for details!
Learn more about the Maratona trip | Request a detailed itinerary
Learn More from Enrico in this Video!
