Sportive Breaks

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Gran Fondo Lombardia 2024

13 October 2024 

Days

3 Nights / 4 Days

difficulty 

Very Difficult

From

$759 AUD

Key Features

2024 Gran Fondo Lombardia with Sportive Breaks

The classic Tour of Lombardy, the Race of the Falling Leaves, has a Gran Fondo to go with it. Starting and finishing in Cantu near Como, the Gran Fondo route takes in the iconic Ghisallo, the 20% plus Muro di Sormano and several other famous climbs of the pro race. Lake Como is the perfect place to end your cycling season. Your host is Giro d’Italia stage winner Andrea Ferrigato.

2024 Il Lombardia date is Saturday 12 October and the 2024 Gran Fondo Lombardia date is Sunday 13 October 2024

Join Sportive Breaks on this weekend to Watch and Ride the final of the 5 Monuments of the year. You will stay in Como for 3 nights and your host is Giro d’Italia stage winner Andrea Ferrigato. Transport to Gran Fondo start and finish in Cantu is included as well as guided rides to watch Il Lombardia on Saturday. Airport transfers from Milan Malpensa can be booked with your package.

What's Included?

Package and Prices

Prices for the 3-night Package

$TBC per person based on two people sharing a twin (2 single beds)
$TBC based on a single occupancy of a room.

Note: It is a requirement that you have Travel Insurance for your trip.

Highlights from the Past Event

Itinerary

DAY ONE - ARRIVAL DAY

Date

Friday 11 October 2024

Location

Como, Italy

Travel to Como

Please make your own arrangements to arrive at our hotel in Como today. Our team will be available to meet you at the hotel. If you plan to fly then we offer group airport transfers for you, your luggage, and your bike from Milan Malpensa airport at 11.30 today (available at $240pp supplement).

View group transfer information here – Link

If you arrive at any other times, we also offer private airport transfers from all Milan airports (Linate, Malpensa, Orio al Serio) at a supplement. The journey to Como takes approximately 1hr to 90 minutes.

Our hotel

We are staying at the hotel B&B in Como. Your stay will be for 3 nights and will be on a bed and breakfast basis. You will have an early breakfast on Gran Fondo Day.

For the evening meals we will suggest eating as a group at two restaurants nearby where hotel guests get a 10% discount. Il Birrificio di Como – www.ilbirrificio.it, or Pizza Garage – www.pizzagarage.it

What about my bike?

You can bring your own bike as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our airport transfers. Alternatively, you can rent a bike with us for the weekend.

Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with fitting your rental bike or building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel.

Guided warm up ride

This afternoon, we offer a guided warm-up ride around the lake. If you’d like to take part, please arrive in Como before 13.00. We aim to depart on the ride at 15.00.

This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you.

Daily Highlights

Rides

Warm up ride, departing 15:00

Meals

No meals

Day One -

Date

Sunday 1 September 2024

Location

Oviedo

Our guides will be available to collect you from the Radisson Blu hotel (Madrid) at approximately 10:00am. From Madrid we drive 4hr to the edge of the Somiedo National Park (Asturias). Here there will be time for lunch and to set-up the hire bikes before our first official ride. While this is essentially a transfer day, we are pleased to offer you all a fantastic first-up ride. To set the scene, you will begin on the ‘Puerto Ventana’ climb (note – puerto or alto in Spanish is equivalent to col in French). This 7km climb at 4.8% is perhaps the easiest climb you will ride for the entire tour. It is a constant climb without any steep ramps, so it will be a great way to get rid of any cobwebs!
From the summit, the ride follows some great backroads (practically all downhill and flat) through the ‘bear gorge’ to our spa resort hotel on the outskirts of Oviedo. You are now in prime position for the upcoming Stage 16 summit finish on the nearby Lagos de Covadonga peak. This evening over dinner listen-in to the amazing week of Vuelta cycling we have in store for you!

Daily Highlights

Ride

65km / 800m elevation gain

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Medium Ride

Day Two - The mythical Angliru

Date

Monday 2 September 2024

Location

Oviedo

Road cycling enthusiasts will know all too well that Asturias since the 1980’s has been home to some of the most iconic Vuelta stages. In no time at all climbs such as Lagos de Covadonga, La Cobertoria and El Angliru have become household names. Now is your chance to see what all the hype is about.

Today is all about taking advantage of the Vuelta rest day and visiting L’Angliru. Are you ready? Having cycled this monster a number of times we can honestly say that you are never really ready for L’Angliru. If your bike has the right gearing – compact cranks with at least a 32 rear cassette, you have some training in the legs and strong willpower this should be enough to get you to the top. This will probably be your greatest road cycling achievement to date and for all times for that matter.

El ‘Alto del Angliru’ is not part of the 2024 Vuelta race edition. It was first introduced by La Vuelta organisers during 1999. The 12.5km climb with 10.2% average grade we think puts it in the top 3 of all European road cycling climbs. Sounds tough right! But wait for it, the final 6.5km average 13.5% with half a dozen extended ramps ranging between 19 to 23.5%. ‘Un autentico infierno’ as the locals would say! As soon as L’Angliru made race news, it spread like a wildfire across the cycling world. There have now been 9 stage finishes since 1999 and Alberto Contador is the only rider with multiple stage wins. Primoz Roglic won the stage during 2023 as the whole ‘who is leading Jumbo-Visma dilemma’ unfolded!

Daily Highlights

Ride

Alto de Angliru – 80km/ 2000m ascent

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Medium Ride

Day Three - Lagos de Covadonga

Date

Tuesday 3 September 2024

Location

Oviedo
Riders celebrate at the end of a Vuelta a Espana stage. Witness scenes like these at the Vuelta a Espana 2024 with Team Visma Lease a Bike

In 1936 La Vuelta arrived to Asturias for the first time. Now you too are here to ride and watch as the 2024 race moves deeper into Asturias. Today the pro peloton has a date with destiny, and it goes by the name Lagos de Covadonga! Whether you are a photographer, nature lover, hiker or cyclist everyone must visit Lagos de Covadonga (lago = lake). The majestic lakes which are found at the summit return to the 2024 race edition.
In the morning there will be a 45min transfer towards the Cantabrian Sea. The first climb on the cards is the impressive Mirador del Fito (Mirador = Lookout). Get the legs going with this 7km climb at 7.9% average grade. The work needs to be done when the double-digit grades strike between KM3-5. With green vegetation all around and a snaking road up to the lookout, the Asturian coastline views will be sure to impress!
The descent now delivers you to the base of the Picos de Europa National Park. These mountains are commonly referred to as ‘Pequeño Dolomiti’ (Little Dolomites). 14km of constant climbing (7% average) takes you up to the towering limestone peaks. There is a testing 3km stretch during the mid-section which constantly hovers around 11% average. Make sure you are ready to cover any stage defining attacks! Lagos de Covadonga was first included during the 1983 Vuelta race. During the last 40 years there have been no less than 21 epic stage finishes. It is one of the most loved climbs with the ‘aficionado’ and Spanish and French champions Pedro Delgado and Laurent Jalabert respectively are the only riders to have taken out multiple stage wins.
The Fito / Covadonga double was last used during Stage 15 of the 2018 Vuelta when Thibaut Pinot took line honours over Miguel Angel Lopez and Simon Yates. What will happen out on the road in 2024? The chance to take in VIP race hospitality at the summit finish will be a major highlight for our tour group!

Daily Highlights

Ride

Lagos de Covadonga – 75km / 2200m elevation gain

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Medium Ride

Day Four - Cuitu Negru and move to Rioja

Date

Wednesday 4 September 2024

Location

Rioja

Today we head ‘back in time’ in search of the 2024 Stage 15 Vuelta finish. A few days ago the peloton finished a gruelling climb up to Cuitu Negru. We will use our Asturian base to also tackle this beast. Following a 25min drive we will be near the base and ready to ride to the summit away from the race. It is a narrow asphalted road which finishes at the top of the Valgrande ski station.
Cuitu Negru has only been used once before at La Vuelta. The 4WD track was asphalted specially for the 2012 Vuelta! The summit of the climb is situated 3km above the Puerto de Pajares climb. The two climbs when combined include 19km at a 7% average grade. It is the 3 final kilometres though which are gruesome. An inconsistent 13% average awaits with a number of ramps touching 20 and 22%. Now that you have added another summit to your cycling CV it will be time to enjoy the ride and descend towards Leon.
Post ride there will be a 3hr drive to our new base in La Rioja wine region. Our base for the next 3 nights borders between Basque Country and La Rioja. As La Vuelta race organisers know well, La Rioja is the perfect location for cycling as the short distances between medieval towns and old and new wineries make for some very scenic viewing. Remember, you have now set foot in the award winning La Rioja wine region. It would be rude not to taste test a glass or two of the tempranillo grape. Una botella de tinto por favor!

Daily Highlights

Ride

90km / 1350m elevation gain

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Medium Ride

Day Five - Vuelta Stage 18 - Rioja Balcony Road

Date

Thursday 5 September 2024

Location

Rioja

Today you will cycle some of our favourite roads in Spain. Riding from Laguardia you will follow 50km of the Stage 18 Vuelta course. The route today follows the medium mountains along La Rioja / Basque Country border. ‘Alto de Rivas de Tereso’ and ‘Puerto Herrera’ are Category 2 and Category 1 climbs respectively. The plan is to tackle both of these climbs and be in position to watch the race as it passes mid-stage. Puerto Herrera is the most challenging of the two climbs with its 6km averaging 8.2% average grade. The views on what is known as the ‘Balcony of La Rioja’ road are exceptional!
After watching the race pass the descent back to the terraced vineyards will be one to remember. We will have you back in the hotel in time to watch the Vuelta Stage 18 finish on TV with a cold drink!
As the early evening approaches our guides will be pleased to show you all the medieval walled town of Laguardia which has hardly changed since the 13th Century. The sunset from the watch tower with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the background is not to be missed. This village still today houses a rabbit warren of underground wine cellars and there will be time to visit a private cellar directly beneath the old impenetrable walls. Back on street level and a selection of tapas will be the perfect way to round out an excellent day!

Daily Highlights

Ride

95km / 1600m elevation gain

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Long Ride

Day Six - Vuelta Stage 19 – Alto Moncalvillo

Date

Friday 6 September 2024

Location

Rioja

Following breakfast we set off from the hotel and cycle past terraced vineyards and through small villages. There are no extended climbs within the first 80km but the ride does follow an undulating course with plenty of vantage points for the photographers in the group. There are some modern wineries along the route that the guides will point out. It is remarkable how the eye-catching architecture still blends in so well with the natural landscape. The Marques de Riscal winery is perhaps the finest example of where old meets new. The winery which was founded in 1858 now also houses a Frank Gehry designed building to match the Guggenheim museum.
Our cycling route today links up with the final kilometres of the Vuelta Stage 19 course. We have left the best for last as you will climb ‘Alto Moncalvillo’ just like the pro peloton. The final 8.5km to the stage finish packs a punch and it’s 9% average grade is sure to create some decisive attacks. The distance to Madrid is closing so these shorter, sharper stage summit finishes will provide fantastic roadside viewing!
Post-stage there will be a 30min drive back to the hotel.

Daily Highlights

Ride

Alto Moncalvillo

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

Long Ride

Day Seven - Vuelta Stage 20 – Picon Blanco

Date

Thursday 23 May 2024

Location

Burgos

Stage 20 of the 2024 Vuelta is the out-and-out Queen stage of this Vuelta edition. Six categorised climbs lead to the base of the ‘Picon Blanco’ climb on the outskirts of Espinosa de los Monteros. A quaint town in the Burgos province which has seen plenty of pro racing with this climb used many times at the Vuelta a Burgos stage race. It has now been given a recall in 2024 as it was last rolled out at the 2021 Vuelta a España when Rein Taaramae won Stage 3 and took the leader’s jersey.
This morning we will set off from Laguardia with a 45min van transfer. Our ride heads north-west crossing between the Basque Country and Castile y Leon provinces. Solitary roads and woodlands will accompany you through to Espinosa. All that awaits now is the brutal finish up to ‘Picon Blanco’. The 8.4km provide an average grade of 9.2%. There are up to 20 ramps though with pinches between 13-17% which will test you all the way to the finish line. Through our VIP race connections you will be able to savour the effort expended with a ‘cross-the-finish-line and podium’ experience. Arriving a couple of hours before the pro peloton will allow some time to enjoy a celebration drink and snacks in a privileged location overlooking the plains below!
Post-stage we will drive 1.5hr south to Burgos which is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Sitting down to a quality paella dinner in front of the 13th Century gothic cathedral is always a fantastic experience for our guests!

Daily Highlights

Ride

Feltre to Fiera di Primiero

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner

medium Ride

Day Eight - Stage 21 Vuelta Twilight Finish

Date

Sunday 8 September 2024

Location

Madrid

This morning following breakfast there will be a 2.5hr drive to Madrid. We will have you in the Spanish capital by approximately 12 noon. There will be time for a walk around the nearby Retiro park, some shopping and/or lunch. During the afternoon experience VIP hospitality at the Individual Time Trial finish.
As the sun starts to set over Paseo de la Castellana (Spain’s version of the Champs Elysees) the wizz of the wheels will return to Madrid. After many difficult closing mountain stages the surviving GC contenders will need to go for broke. A 22km individual time trial is all that now awaits! The post-race celebrations around the Cibeles fountain are spectacular. Sepp Kuss was a somewhat surprise winner of the 2023 edition. Will he be back to defend his title in 2024 or will he need to ride in a support role? Viva La Vuelta!

Daily Highlights

Ride

No ride today

Meals

Breakfast

Day Nine - Adios

Date

Monday 9 September 2024

Location

Madrid

Following breakfast our guides will be available to transfer you to Madird Airport. We can have you at the airport by 10:30am so please keep that in mind when organising any onwards flights. We trust you have enjoyed your Vuelta cycling experience and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Daily Highlights

Itinerary

Day To Day

Travel to Como

Please make your own arrangements to arrive at our hotel in Como today. Our team will be available to meet you at the hotel. If you plan to fly then we offer group airport transfers for you, your luggage, and your bike from Milan Malpensa airport at 11.30 today (included with your trip)

If you arrive at any other times, we also offer private airport transfers from all Milan airports (Linate, Malpensa, Orio al Serio) at a supplement. The journey to Como takes approximately 1hr to 90 minutes.

Our hotel

We are staying at the hotel B&B in Como. Your stay will be for 3 nights and will be on a bed and breakfast basis so with breakfasts and evening included. You will have an early breakfast on Gran Fondo Day.

For the evening meals we will suggest eating as a group at two restaurants nearby where hotel guests get a 10% discount. Il Birrificio di Como – www.ilbirrificio.it, or Pizza Garage – www.pizzagarage.it

What about my bike?

You can bring your own bike as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our airport transfers. Alternatively, you can rent a bike with us for the weekend.

Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with fitting your rental bike or building your own bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel.

Guided warm up ride

This afternoon, we offer a guided warm up ride around the lake. If you’d like to take part, please arrive in Como before 13.00. We aim to depart on the ride at 15.00.

This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you.

DistanceElevationDifficulty
Medium Route65km650m2/5

After breakfast and preparing the bikes, we will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the route of Il Lombardia. En-route we will watch the riders of the pro peloton as they take on the course.

We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon after watching the finish for you to rest and get prepared for tomorrow.

Hospitality at the start and/ or at the finish or a day on the course in an official race car are available to book today at an additional cost. Il Lombardia Hospitality – Sportive Breaks

 


You were able to see how the riders of the Men’s cycling elite handled the roads yesterday. Today it’s your turn. Ride the 111km with 1700 metres of climbing of the Gran Fondo Lombardia. The main difficulties on the route are the Ghisallo and the Sormano.
A short ride to the start and the finish in Cantu is required today.

Race details:

  • Start/ Finish: Cantù (CO)
  • Total km – 111,2 km
  • Ascent – 1700m
  • Sign on opening; 06.30am
  • Start Time; 07.30am
  • Feeding zones: 2 along the route
  • Time Limit; 7 hours – by 02.30pm

This afternoon and early evening we’ll assist you with re-packing your bikes ahead of travel and you’ll also be able to return your rental bikes with us.

After breakfast we offer our optional transfer back to Milan Malpensa airport. We will depart Como at 08.00 for flights that depart after 1100am.

More About the Event

Granfondo Lombardia

Italy’s Lake Como is a wonderful place to ride. With a mixture of challenging climbs and routes that run alongside sparkling lakesides and beautiful villages; the sportive complements the race of the Falling Leaves, also known as the Tour of Lombardy.

What better way to end a lakeside race than by enjoying delicious food and toasting with wine that has been produced locally?

What is Gran Fondo Il Lombardia?

Starting and ending in Cantu, cyclists will experience the legendary Ghisallo in addition to the mercilessly steep Muro di Sormano – the two big climbs that have featured prominently in the race through the years.

Although this event is moderately difficult, there will still be plenty of opportunities to enjoy breath-taking views over the rolling terrain.

You're in safe hands

We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years. 

Plenty to choose from

Did you know we offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.

Spread your payments

Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply

Logistics covered

We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.

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