Italy
The Monuments
Granfondo Lombardia with Sportive Breaks
The classic Tour of Lombardy, the Race of the Falling Leaves, finally has a sportive to go with it. Starting and ending near Como, the 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.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
-
Spread your payments: Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking
-
Warm up rides: We have a short warm up ride on Friday afternoon before a 75km spin on Saturday to have a look at the route and the pro race.
-
Pre race briefing: On Saturday night our guides talk through the main sectors of the race with tips of how to ride at your best.
-
Mechanical support: Expert mechanics on hand all weekend or hire one of our bikes. Bikes allowed in rooms at the hotel.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 109km | 1700m |
3/5
Mix of climbing & flatter days suitable for most riders.
|
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel B&B in Como
Included Meals
All breakfasts
Guided Warm Up Ride
On Friday & Saturday
Mechanic
On hand all weekend
Transfer
Group return airport transfers from
Additional Extras
Transfer
Private return transfers from all Milan airports available
Sportive Entry
Choice of start pen, from £80. Delivered to your hotel
Bike Rental
From £140
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.
Itinerary
Expand All
Friday 6th October 2023 : Arrival Day
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Medium Route |
65km | 650m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one main climb.
|
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.
Saturday 7th October 2023 : 2023 Il Lombardia & Guided Ride
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Route |
70km | 950m |
2/5
Flat to rolling day with max one main climb.
|
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
Sunday 8th October 2023 : Sportive Day!
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.
Sportive Options
The map provided is for reference purposes only.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 110km | 2019m |
3/5
Rolling terrain with the occasional tougher section.
|
Accommodation
B&B Hotel Como
Gran Fondo Il Lombardia
B&B Hotel Como is a stone’s throw away from one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Italy. Situated just a short stroll from Como city centre with its traditional cafes and restaurants. Visitor highlights include the Porta Torre & Piazza San Fedele. All Rooms come with FREE high-speed Wifi, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, smart TV with Sky, and a comfortable memory foam mattress. There's also a safe to store your valuables and a hairdryer. Breakfast – Italian style provides sweet and savoury products, with gluten-free options available. There’s also a B&B shop offering a wide selection of fresh beverages and snacks. Secure bike storage available at the hotel.
Airport Transfers
Como is located near Milan. We offer group airport transfers for you, your luggage, and your bike from Milan Malpensa airport at 11.30 on Friday and at 08.00 on Monday (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.
Dates & Book Now
Sportive Breaks is part of the Destination Sport Experiences Group. When clicking on the booking link below, you will be taken to the Destination Sport Experiences booking engine. If you have any questions, please do contact our team [email protected]
Other Sportives You May Like
-
Strade Bianche March 5, 2023 Italy
One Day Classics
-
Nove Colli May 21, 2023 Italy
The Big Six
-
La Marmotte June 25, 2023
France
The Big Six
-
2023 Etape du Tour July 9, 2023 France
The Big Six