”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
The Lakes & Great Climbs of Italy
Have you ever wanted to test yourself against the most famous mountains in Italy? Climbs like the Gavia, the Stelvio, and the Mortirolo have made cycling history and are the reason that most cycling aficionados consider the Giro d’Italia to be the world’s most beautiful race.
This part of Italy is home to some of the best roads anywhere in the world, many of which run straight up against the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda, Lake Idro and Lake Iseo. It’s also renowned for its food and wine, so there will be plenty to look forward to after each unforgettable day in the saddle.
We’ll take on all the famous ascents and also introduce you to some hidden gems, climbs that are reserved for those in the know. You’ll need your mountain legs for this trip, but don’t let the altitude intimidate you. We pride ourselves on having the best team of guides and mechanics in the business, so you can ride comfortably at your own pace, knowing that there will always be someone right beside you with encouragement and advice, whenever you need it.
- 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
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.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Verona
FINISH LOCATION:
Milan
TOTAL ELEVATION:
8,764m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
376km
DAYS RIDING:
6
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 3 – 99km
4 Lakes
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 3 – 2,218m
4 Lakes