Six good reasons why you should experience Italian roads
By Ross Litherland | 12/04/2024
I’m wondering if Italy is the number one place to ride your bike in Europe, but it’s often over-shadowed (perhaps unfairly) by France and Spain. It has everything; long climbs in the Alps, steep climbs in the Dolomites (don’t let those average gradients fool you, they are STEEP), as well as the beyond picturesque regions of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany (which includes the fabulous white gravel roads) to pick only a few highlights.
Perhaps Italy is overlooked as the big races are often hit with bad weather. In particular, the poor Giro d’Italia in May. Remember Nibali’s soigneur brushing the snow off his back at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo finish line in 2013? That came the day after the queen stage had to be cancelled completely because of bad weather. But May is not like June through to October. If they moved the race to another month, I think they’d get so many more cycling visitors!
I’ve been lucky enough to ride the Tre Cime di Laveredo in July and it’s simply stunning. Many of Italy’s best riding locations are unique; there is nowhere else on the planet like the Dolomites and riding around Siena has no comparison either. That’s before I’ve even mentioned the coffee or the cuisine!
Ride in Italy this summer and there is every chance it will become your favourite destination…
The biggest race in the world is visiting!
This year La Grande Boucle will set off in Italy for the first ever time! Considering they share a border, I can’t believe it’s taken so long. Of course, they won’t be starting with huge mountain stages but are instead visiting some of the most beautiful regions of Italy. Plus, it’s Cav’s first chance to make history in the Stage 3 finish in Turin. Imagine seeing that in person!
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Fully supported cycling tour
Starting on the Adriatic coast in Cattolica you’ll enjoy 3 days of riding through Emilia Romagna and Tuscany before finishing in Follonica. This trip will actually feel like a holiday rather than an endurance test, as the distances aren’t crazy and you’ll have plenty of time for espresso and bomoloni.
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Stelvio Weekender
Rather tackle this giant at your own pace than during a race? This is the fully supported trip for you. Featuring the other local headliners of Mortirolo and Gavia, you’ll be sure to fall in love with this region, once your legs have forgiven you!
A great time to visit Rome
Our main Giro d’Italia trip has already sold out! However, with the Tour de France finishing in Nice, we’ve had lots of interest in the Rome Finish. Weekend away in a capital city where you get to see the winner crowned? What’s not to love!
Race up this giant
The Stelvio is a must do climb, so why not tackle it during an event? Any sportive with Stelvio in its name you’d expect to be really hard and long. But it isn’t. The longest route is shorter and has less climbing than most editions of the Etape.
Dolomites Weekender
Compared to most other popular cycling regions, the Dolomites is more difficult to get to. Why do the most beautiful areas always make you work harder? So, this trip is designed to simplify the logistics and allow you to ride as much as possible in the time available. Once we’ve ticked everything off, you’ll never need to go back. Until the next time!
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![James Morrissey and Denise Yarrow of Sportive Breaks riding in the Mallroca 312 [Credit: Sportograf.com]](https://eehfhddnkc3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jim-and-Den-edited-1.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&fit=300%2C187&ssl=1)
