As the off season approaches and attention turns to 2010, the hottest topics on everyone’s mind are the routes of the Grand Tours- the Tour de France released its route last week, and while we will NOT be returning to see the Tour in 2010, we will again be viewing what we consider to be a more accessible, and exciting, race- the Dauphine-Libere. Our race viewing typically consists of two stages, and next year the race announced it will have a stage finish on Alpe d’Huez. This is very exciting, as we often ask why the race doesn’t cover one of the most storied climbs in the Alps. We will ride the climb ahead of the race and view the stage finale, which is sure to produce the winner of this 1 week stage race. As additional details become available, we will update our trip page and our latest news.
The 2010 route of the Giro d’Italia will be announced this Saturday, October 24th, and there has been wild speculation across the internet news sites about where it will go, what climbs it will take in, and where it will finish. Two things are certain at this point: it will start in Amsterdam, and it will not finish in Milan. Inside sources have put us in a position to tentatively outline two itineraries- May 9-16th and May 23rd to May 31st. Our first trip will be a Spring Training week in Tuscany. I recently toyed with the idea of a spring training week to Tuscany that coincided with the Monte Paschi Eroica race in March, and according to reports, we will get ourt wish in May as the race will cover some of the strade bianche on its way to finishing in Siena. The following day’s stage will start in Grosetto, and we will be on hand to view both, as well as ride the Eroica course. Our trip will begin in the hills of Chianti, move to the Val d’Orcia before finishing on the banks of the Arno and the beautiful city of Florence. This is a perfect itinerary for those looking for a relaxed tour with some early season miles (as much and as little as you wish), some exciting race viewing, and of course great hotels, food and wine.
Our second itinerary will beging and end in Erbusco, which is situated between Bergamo and Brescia. While specific race viewing details will be finalized early next week, we are planning on seeing 4 stages, including the final time trial in Verona. There is speculation that the race will climb the Gavia and the Mortirolo, and the city of Brescia will host a stage finish and start on consecutive days. Our riding days will include the passes of the Gavia, Mortirolo, Presolana, Gardena, Mendola among others.
More details top follow next week, and a new Giro trip page will up as well. If you have any questions before then, please email or call.
~ Peter
