The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day's stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.

Sardinia is a land of contrasts. The coastline is full of calm, cerulean-blue bays and spotless beaches, while the interior boasts a rugged, unforgiving beauty. Its historical towns and cities are steeped in history and have played a huge part in mediterranean culture, but riding in the countryside offers a rare kind of peace and seclusion. Known in Italy as a summertime playground of the rich and famous, it is also synonymous with shepherds and a bygone agrarian lifestyle. In short, it's the kind of place you need to experience for yourself, because everyone will take home something different. It might have the population of a medium-sized city, but when it comes to art, history, and cuisine, it packs the kind of punch that would knock out most large countries. And, of course, the landscape is stunning. This point-to-point adventure will explore the best that this incredible island has to offer, and introduce you to a completely different side to Italy. There will be beaches, mountains, delicious food, incredible hotels, quaint old villages and medieval towns – and mile after mile of unforgettable riding.