Granfondo Giordana (Marco Pantani) Weekend

Our weekend package to the Granfondo Giordana, formerly known as the 'Marco Pantani' is not only a pilgrimage to two of Europe's toughest and infamous climbs but also a chance to follow in the wheel tracks of one of cycling's best ever climbers and sample the hunting ground that brought Pantani some of his greatest wins. Our three night package, based in the events' hometown of Aprica, will give you all the support you need to tackle this amazing event.

Starting in Aprica, the Granfondo Giordana gives you the chance to test yourself against two of the World's toughest climbs. The Passo Mortirolo is rated by Lance Armstrong as the hardest climb he has ever done climbing, 1,300m in 12.5km and featuring sections upto 18%.

"It's a terrible climb...on the hardest parts, I was riding a 39x27 and I was hurting, really hurting. (Mortirolo) is the hardest climb I've ever ridden" LA

The Pantani memorial is suitably located at the toughest part of the climb and for many is a suitable reason to take a rest and pay hommage the great climber.

The spectacularly beautiful peaks of the Italian Alps. A feature of this event

Also on the menu is the Passo Gavia, a 17km beast which seems to climb to the top of the World with the summit at over 2,600m! This climb featured heavily in the 1998 Giro d'Italia win of Andy Hampsten where he endured inhumane wintry conditions to finish the stage ahead of his rivals for the overall classification.

The lead group on the lower slopes of the Passo Gavia

Our guests enjoy a well earned cold beer after the 2011 edition

Our base for the weekend is in the scenic Hotel Cristallo Club, perched high in the Italian Alpine ski resort of Aprica. At only a few minutes ride to the event village and start line, the hotel is perfectly situated and we have secured the best rooms with a spectacular valley view.

Route Statistics

Granfondo course:    172km (4,000m climbing)
Mediofondo course:  152km (3,400m climbing)
Corto course:           65km   (1,200m climbing)

For more information on routes, climbs and support services please visit www.granfondogiordana.com

What's Included

Four Star Accommodation (Single occupancy double room / twin room)
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotels and restaurants
Airport transfer and travel to and from race
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary energy drinks, bars and gels from Accelerade
La Fuga Welcome Pack
Cyclefilm Granfondo Marco Pantani Reconnaissance DVD
Race Registration

What’s Not

Flights
Lunchtime meals
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks / Minibar
Incidental Expenses

Further Reading

La Fuga reccied the route of the Granfondo Pantani with Cyclefilm and we have taken groups of guests to this fantastic event for a number of years.

Read more about our reccy here >>

Watch a clip here >>

Read Cameron's blog entry here >>

Also, see a fantastic picture gallery of the 2011 edition courtesy of Janet Pearch of Janet Pearch Photography here >>

The Knowledge

• Max. Group Size: 15 guests
• Event: Granfondo Giordana
• Airport: Milan Malpensa
• Accommodation: 3 nights at 4* Hotel
• Price: £895 (single occupancy)
• Price: £795 (double occupancy)

Granfondo Giordana (Marco Pantani) Weekend

Friday

Arrival into Milan Malpensa Airport. Transfer by minibus to our base in Aprica.

Saturday

Your bike will be unpacked and ready to go. We will enjoy a gentle spin around to the nearby town of Edolo to have a look at the first few kilometers of the event. The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge tomorrow. Lunch will be had at a cafe 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 Aprica and rewards 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. Our minibus will take the short distance to Milan Malpensa Airport.

Granfondo Giordana (Marco Pantani) Weekend