Please make your own arrangements to arrive at our hotel in Como today or make use of our optional transfer service which can be added to your booking at £120 per person and includes bike box transport. Our team will be available to meet you at the hotel.

Airport transfers

If you plan to fly then we offer group airport transfers for you, your luggage, and your bike from Bergamo Airport. We offer one group transfer which departs at 15.00.

If you arrive at any other times, we also offer private airport transfers from all Milan airports (Linate, Malpensa, Milan Train Station) on request and at a supplement. The journey to Bergamo takes approximately 1hr to 90 minutes from Bergamo airport to Como. We are staying at B&B Hotel Como Camerlata.
Your stay will be for 2 nights and will be on a bed and breakfast basis. You will have an early breakfast on Gran Fondo Day.

For the evening meals there are several restaurants a short walk away from the hotel this evening.

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.

After breakfast, meet your Sportive Breaks hosts and fellow riders for a ride briefing before rolling directly from the hotel in Como.

Following the shores of Lake Como, the route winds through traditional lakeside villages before reaching Bellagio and the start of the climb to the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo. This pilgrimage site for cyclists has welcomed champions and cycling fans from around the world for decades.

At the summit we’ll stop to visit the famous chapel and cycling museum, enjoy the spectacular views over Lake Como and hear stories from the rich history of Il Lombardia and Italian cycling.

Ride Highlight: Colma di Sormano

From Ghisallo, the route continues deeper into the Lombardia hills towards the Colma di Sormano, one of the defining climbs of Il Lombardia.

The steady ascent rewards us with breath-taking mountain scenery and a true taste of the terrain regularly featured in the Race of the Falling Leaves. Strong riders may choose to test themselves on sections of the legendary climb while others can enjoy the challenge at their own pace.

A café stop in the mountains provides the perfect opportunity to refuel before a thrilling descent back towards Lake Como and the return to Como.

Ride Distance: 80-90km
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800-2,200m.

This evening, join your hosts and fellow guests for a welcome dinner in Como. Over traditional Lombard cuisine, we’ll discuss the history of Il Lombardia, review the days ahead and preview the key climbs and race-day experiences that await.

The route of Il Lombardia changes every year and alternates between Bergamo and Como. In 2026 the race started in Bergamo and finished in Como so we expect Il Lombardia 2027 to start in Como and finish in Bergamo.

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel we will transport you and your bike to Bergamo. We will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the finale of Il Lombardia. We will cycle the final section of the professional race before finishing in Bergamo where we will watch the finish.

Accompanied by your Sportive Breaks guides and Giro d’Italia stage winner host, you’ll ride the iconic final section of the Il Lombardia route, including key roads used by the professionals just hours before the race.

The route takes in the famous approach to Bergamo before following the same roads that will decide the final attacks and sprint for victory.

As you descend into the historic city, you’ll feel the anticipation build as you approach the official finish line.

Exclusive Cross the Finish Experience

One of the highlights of the weekend awaits as riders enjoy a unique opportunity to cross beneath the official Il Lombardia finish gantry.

Following the route used by the world’s best riders, you’ll roll down the finishing straight and experience the emotions of arriving at one of cycling’s most prestigious races.

Podium Photos

Celebrate your moment with an exclusive photo opportunity on the official podium. Capture lasting memories with professional photographs from the same stage where the winners of Il Lombardia will later stand.

Finish Hospitality

After your ride, relax in official finish hospitality overlooking the race finish area. Enjoy refreshments and local specialities while soaking up the atmosphere as teams, media and cycling fans gather ahead of the Monument. This is the perfect opportunity to watch the build-up, discuss race tactics and enjoy one of the most exclusive experiences available to cycling fans.

Evening

Check in to our Bergamo hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful Città Alta, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities.

Join your hosts and fellow guests for a special pre-Gran Fondo dinner. We’ll review the route, discuss logistics for tomorrow’s event and share final advice to ensure you’re ready for your own Lombardia challenge.

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 109.5km with 1,700 metres of climbing of the Gran Fondo Lombardia. The main difficulties on the route are Valico di Valcava, Miragolo San Salvatore, and the Passo Salmezza.

You can ride the short distance to the start line and the finish is also a short cycle back to the hotel.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING BIKE LIGHTS AS THE GRAN FONDO STARTS IN THE DARK

Race details:

• Start/Finish: Bergamo
• Total distance: 109.5km
• Ascent: 1,700m
• Sign on opening: 06:30
• Start Time: 07:30
• Feeding zones: 2 along the route
• Time Limit: 7 hours – by 14:30

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 to us.

After breakfast we offer our optional transfer back to Bergamo Airport at 09:00. Private transfer can be booked on request.