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Trips > Eros Poli’s birthday adventure

Eros Poli’s birthday adventure

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“One of the most beautiful moments in my life came on the eve of my 21st birthday. A few years before my dad had told me that at 21, I’d have to get a real job because cycling was very hard and it didn’t pay well. Luckily, the day before that birthday we won the gold medal for the Team Time Trial at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. That proved that I had a future in the peloton.” 

A few years later, Eros conquered the Ventoux. His courageous ride has become the stuff of legend, and it remains one of the most memorable stage victories in Tour de France history, a rare example of underdog success on one of the biggest climbs at the world’s biggest bike race.

For his 60th anniversary, inGamba is putting together a once-in-a-lifetime ride as big, and as fun, as the man himself. You won’t want to miss it! 

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • 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

Trip at a Glance

Start Location:

Verona

Finish Location:

Venice

Days Riding:

6

Group Size:

10 - 14

Total Distance:

397km

Total Elevation:

8,336m

Longest Day:

Monte Baldo, 89km

Biggest Climbing Day:

San Boldo, 2,045m

...

Day by Day Breakdown

1

Albisano

Our first ride is an easy spin to shake off the cobwebs, but it’s also very pretty, as we ride in the Prosecco hills. This is the time to make sure everything with your bike is perfect – if something’s not quite right, let a mechanic or a guide know and we’ll be sure to fix it before the tough riding begins.
2

Valpolicella Classica

This ride will take you north toward the area of Valpolicella. The region is known as the ‘pearl of Verona’, with wine production hidden away in the region’s foothills, just north of the Adige River, and is a shining example of everything the country has to offer. Valpolicellians have been stomping grapes since the days of ancient Greece and the red wine only seems to get better with age — just like Eros.
3

Monte Baldo

Today we start on flat roads until we start climbing Monte Baldo halfway to the end. Monte Baldo is the westernmost point of the Prealpi Venete, and is the peak that dominates Lake Garda. Known from the 16th century as 'Europe's Botanical Garden', Monte Baldo has a rich and variegated flora, with olive and orange trees, mountain pine, oak, and palm, which combine to paint an incredible 'floral' composition, a rare spectacle in the mountains.
4

Bassano Ponte Alpini — Castelli

This point to point ride will take us to the home of Castelli in Fonzaso. The brand headquarters is part museum and science lab – a bustling and inspirational building that honors company history but with a focus toward the future. Founder Maurizio Castelli introduced multiple innovations to the cycling world, such as Lycra and print sublimation on bibs and jerseys. This spirit of discovery continues to fuel the workspace.
5

Pianezze

The day’s biggest climb comes just after the midway point, but it’s undulating throughout so you’ll need to manage the efforts carefully. The climb will take us to Pianezze, a very picturesque village in the Veneto region.
6

San Boldo - Val Morel

On our last day, we ride the also known as the “Road of 100 Days” because that’s how long it took to build. The San Boldo Pass is one of the most incredible roads in the world: 18 hairpin turns that take you from Tovena to the peak at 666 metres in just over 6 kilometres.
7

DEPARTURE

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

YOUR Guide

Eros Poli

The Champion

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.

BIKE OPTION

PINARELLO DOGMA F

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

PEDALS:

Speedplay (or your own)

SADDLE:

Selle Italia

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030