A Postcard from Sardinia
Gelato in Girona, coffee breaks on the beach, and an epic climb above a stunning white-washed village by the sea – these are just some of the unforgettable…
”The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.
Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
22 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
Catalonia with Hammad Shah
Varied terrain, a warm climate, and an airport. These are the reasons that Girona tops the list of any professional cyclist looking for a home. But the city, and the region of Catalonia in general, has so much more to offer riders – especially if your list of priorities puts food and fun times a little higher than race-winning fitness.
This part of Spain isn’t just a mecca for bike riders, either. There might be more tourists in Barcelona, but the Catalonian capital’s sister city is preferred by more experienced travelers who know that Girona is second-to-none when it comes to serious cuisine and culture. From Roman ruins to the hippest bars and eateries, it has something for everyone.
From to the foothills of the Pyrenees to the picturesque Costa Brava beaches, we’ll show you one of the world’s very best cycling destinations like it’s never been seen before.
Included With Trip:
- All lodging*
- All food and beverages**
- Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
- Daily Bike Wash
- One custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
- Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
- Laundry service for cycling clothing
*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges
MEET THE GUIDES
MANUEL CARDOSO
The Quiet Crusher
Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life. Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look which struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peleton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans. Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up, a spot in the road where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow. It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know, he is grinning from ear-to-ear.
Rui Vinhas
Born in the North of Portugal, Rui has been riding his bike since he was 10. In 2011, he became a professional cyclist and just five years later he won the Tour of Portugal. The following year, in 2017, he was the runner-up in the Portuguese Cycling Championship. His talent and incredible bike skills will be by your side during our trips.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Barcelona
FINISH LOCATION:
Barcelona
TOTAL ELEVATION:
6,298m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
527km
DAYS RIDING:
6
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 5 – 116km
Santa Pellaia
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 5 – 1,476m
Santa Pellaia
DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN
PINARELLO DOGMA F
Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.
WHEELSET:
Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless
FRAMESET:
Pinarello Dogma F
COCKPIT:
ZIPP Service Course SL
TIRES:
Vittoria Corsa N.Ext
GRUPPO:
SRAM RED eTap AXS
BOTTLE CAGES:
Elite Custom Race
PEDALS:
Speedplay
BIDON:
Elite Corsa Team
SADDLE:
Prologo
COMPUTER:
Garmin Edge 1030
COLOUR:
InGamba Red
