As a new tour for 2008, this trip includes many of the best climbs in the dolomites region of Italy with a staggering finishing climb up the now infamous Mt Zoncolan as an optional climb. On this tour we will stay in the heart of the dolomites. First we will stay two nights in La Villa, where we will climb the Sellaronda loop featuring the passes of the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. Next we will conquer the Valporolla and the legndary Passo Giau on our way to our hotel for the next two nights in Cortina. Cortina is quite a place to be seen and the riding in this area is unforgettable. For our final accent we have the option to challenge our legs and our will on the Mt. Zoncolan. This climb was newly featured in this years Giro d'Italia and is without a doubt the most difficult pro tour climb in the world. If you have climbed the Mortirolo and looking for something more challenging this is it. To add inspiration along the climb, we see posters of many past Giro legends and their victories. This is a tough tour so bring a light bike, big gears and a good set of climbing legs.

View photos from this climb and legends of the past - Zoncolan Photos

Package Includes

Climbing Highlights

Tour Itinerary

We will pick you up at the Verona airport and bring you back to our sporting hotel near Lake Garda to settle in. Build the bikes and purchase any last-minute items from the local bike shop. Take an easy spin through the wineries and orchards or down to the lake an back on the 2005 world championship time trial course. After the ride take a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer in the bar, enjoy a sauna, or treat yourself to a message. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel's chef,  talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys.

• Arrival date for this tour is Saturday, July 5, 2008

• Early arrival is available for Friday, July 4, 2008

• Departure date is Saturday, July 12, 2008

• Arrival and departures from the Verona VRN airport or Milan & Venice by shuttle

• See Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Schedule

Today will be a warm up ride of moderate intensity through the Valpolicella wine region. Cycling through the vineyards; this will be our first 20K climb to get the legs ready. After the ride we have a transfer to La Villa at the base of the Sella Massif where we spend the next two nights.

After Breakfast we get on our bikes and explore the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. We take in the grand Sellaronda loop over some of the most famous passes including the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena.

Today we climb out of La Villa to the Valporola pass and then up the Giau on our way to Cortina.

Two options for today are an out and back up the passo Tre Croci and summit of the Tre Cime or an easy loop around Cortina with a day to rest the legs in preparation for tomorrow.

Today is the big day with a short transfer to the base of the Zoncolan where we will begin the ride.  The route for the day follows similarly as the stage of the Giro in 2007. As we climb, take the opportunity to view many of the past Giro legends on every corner. For those who would rather not do this climb there is an equally beautiful climb around it's base.

View photos from this climb and legends of the past - Zoncolan Photos

Morning ride before our transfer back to Verona. Climb of the Forcella di Monte or a loop around the lake.

Additional rides based on departure time