Granfondo Nove Colli Weekend

The Granfondo Nove Colli, now in its 42nd year, is one of the most popular in Europe and the biggest in Italy with 12,000 participants. The event was started back in 1970 by a group of friends and is so-called because its nine climbs now attract the biggest field in Europe for a mass start sportive. Riders come from all over the world in an attempt to conquer its spectacular route into the lower Appenines.

Starting from the seaside resort of Cesenatico, near the birth place of Italian cycling legend Marco Pantani, the route heads into the hills that mark the Marche / Emilia Romagna border. The hills then come thick and fast making a tough and fatiguing route. Whilst the highest point, Monte Pugliano, at 791m is no 'Alp', the constant undulations make for an epic challenge. With 200km to cover and total climbing of 3,840m a tough workout is guaranteed.

Cameron and Ian enjoying the ridge above Perticara

Our base for the weekend couldn't be better to tackle the Granfondo Nove Colli. Cesenatico is a vibrant seaside fishing village turned resort with golden beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. What better place to relax after a hard day in the saddle?

We've secured the best rooms in Cesenatico's Grand Hotel to allow you to enjoy the Nove Colli in style. The four start hotel is located a stones throw from the event start and finish areas, giving you the time to explore the pre-event village expo which attracts an array of interesting Italian cycling merchants. Combine this with the close proximity of the beach and we think you'll have the best seats in the house when you join La Fuga on our Nove Colli Weekend.

Read about the event in Cycling Weekly's article written by La Fuga Performance Coach Huw Williams.

Watch La Fuga's sneak peak reconnaissance video of the route on Youtube by Cyclefilm.

The Grand Hotel Cesenatico sits proudly amonst the event village and on the shores of the Adriatic.

Route Statistics

Granfondo course:   200km (3,840m climbing)

Mediofondo course: 130km (1,871m climbing)

For more information on routes, climbs and support services please visit www.novecolli.it

What’s Included?

Four Star Accommodation (Single occupancy double room)
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotels and restaurants
Airport transfers and travel to and from the event
Experienced guides and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary cycling nutrition
Cyclefilm Nove Colli Reconnaissance DVD
Event registration

What’s Not?

Flights
Lunchtime meals
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks / Minibar and drinks with meals
Incidental Expenses

The Knowledge

• Max. Group Size: 15 guests
• Tour: Granfondo Nove Colli Weekend
• Airport: Bologna
• Accommodation - 3 nights 4* Grand Hotel Cesenatico
• Event: Granfondo Nove Colli
• Price: £975 (single occupancy, double room)
• Price: £850 (double occupancy, twin room)

Granfondo Nove Colli Weekend

Friday 18 May

Arrival at Bologna Airport. Transfer by minibus to our base in Cesenatico.

Saturday 19 May

Your bike will be unpacked and made ready to go. We will then enjoy a gentle spin along the back roads around Cesenatico. 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 20 May

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. Then we'll hit the pasta party for some serious refuelling and a chance to check the results board. A refreshing shower and perhaps a power nap await you back at the hotel. We will then venture into the town and reward our efforts of the day with some great food and drink.

Monday 21 May

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

Granfondo Nove Colli Weekend