Granfondo Cinque Terre Corto

The rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre has drawn travelers over the years to explore the untouched villages that cling precariously to the cliffs that characterise the Liguria region. This rugged terrain prevents travel by road and has helped preserve the character and charm of villages such as Riomaggiore and Vernazza. The traditional method of transport by sea has now been augmented by a train line which links La Spezia (home to a certain Alessandro Petacchi), the town at the southern end of the 5 Terre with the important Mediterranean port of Genova.

The Cinque Terre was also in the focus of the cycling world this May as it hosted the crucial individual time trial from Sestri Levante to Rio Maggiore in this year's centenary Giro d'Italia. Denis Menchov's decisive victory there went a long way to setting up his victory in Rome a few days later.

The Granfondo Cinque Terre gives you the chance to follow in the wheel tracks of the Giro riders with a course that takes in the two significant climbs on the time trial route; the Passo del Bracco and Passo Termine.
Our beachside hotel in Sestri Levante provides the perfect opportunity to relax ahead of your big day in the saddle. Lounge on the beach and enjoy views towards Porto Fino or sit in a street cafe and watch the world go by. As usual we'll take care of everything so all you have to worry about is the ride and where your next G & T is coming from.

The Knowledge

• Accommodation: 3 nights half board in Sestri Levante
• Event: Granfondo Cinque Terre
• Other activities: Explore the Cinque Terre, enjoy the beach at Sestri Levante
• Airport: Pisa
• Price: £695

Granfondo Cinque Terre Corto

Friday

Arrive at Pisa Airport. Transfer by minibus to Sestri Levante.

Saturday

Your bike will be unpacked and ready to go. We will enjoy a gentle spin through the rolling hills around Sestri Levante. The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge tomorrow. Lunch will be had at a café en route. On our way back to the hotel we will visit the race village, pick up race numbers and sample the pre-race atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax and make final preparations for tomorrow. Your bike will receive a final check over from our mechanic and your race number fitted.

Sunday

The Big Day! The hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day’s activities with generous helpings of pasta. We will then ride to the race start and arrive with enough time to grab a pre-race espresso or two. Your guide will be on hand to pass on some last minute words of wisdom and escort you to the starting pen. After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we’ll meet you at the finish with some cold drinks and congratulations. Afterwards we’ll hit the pasta party for some serious refuelling and a chance to check the results board. After a refreshing shower and maybe a power nap back at the hotel, we will venture into Piacenza and reward our efforts of the day with some great food and drink.

Monday

A day to relax and enjoy your last few hours in Italy. Your bike will be packed up ready for your flight home. A minibus will take you back to the airport.

Granfondo Cinque Terre Corto