The Sportive Breaks tour experience
Each ride will be fully supported with a van and rider. The van will set up a feed station at regular intervals and will also be on hand to support the group. You will be given a Sportive Break day bag for additional kit and these will be available at each stop. We will stop for lunch at a pre-determined cafe/restaurant. On the flat (not much of it) we will ride together in groups and on the climbs we will climb at our own speed. We will re-group either at the top of each climb or another appropriate spot. There will be two group options per day (Front Group & Main Bunch), you can opt for different groups on different days as you wish.
If you want to go for the KOM / QOM feel free but the ethos primarily is to enjoy being on our bikes in beautiful places. The guides are there to help you all achieve your goals, whether it is just to make it to the top of Stelvio or a new PB up the Mortirolo. They are also all very handy riders and will enjoy you trying to beat their times up the Stelvio. After the ride we meet for a well earned beer on the hotel terrace.
Trip Itinerary
Day One : Arrival & Warm Up Ride
Arrive in Milan for the transfer to Bormio. On arrival our mechanic will be waiting to help build bikes. After check in to the hotel you have time to go for a 25km warm up spin before our welcome dinner at 7.30pm with a brief on the week.
Day Two : Stelvio Loop
Front Group: 115km, 3930m (Strava HERE)
Main Bunch: 72km, 2813m (Strava HERE)
The queen stage. We start at 8.30am (depending on weather / time of year) and start immediately the climb to the Stelvio from Bormio. The front group get to the summit of the Stelvio, descend the Umbrail pass before lunch in Prato. From there it is just 48 hairpins back to the top and a descent home! The main bunch climb from Bormio before descending half way down the Prato side (the iconic part) before lunch and then climbing the last 13km of the second side & descending back to the hotel. We set up feed stops regularly and there is a lead guide with each group. After the ride we grab a beer on the terrace before dinner at 7.30pm
Day Three : Cancano / Livigno
A “slightly” easier ride sandwiched between two huge days. We roll out slightly later at 9.30am to allow for a more relaxed morning and head over to the beautiful climb of Cancano for the Main Bunch and on to Livigno over two climbs for the Front Group including the Passo Foscagno (2291m). This is one of the pro team capitals of Europe in the summer with most teams having a base to prepare for the Tour. For the Main Bunch we come back to Bormio and take on the climb of Bormio 2000 before descending into town for lunch. Cancano is a stage finish in the 2020 Giro.
Another roll out at 8.30am, we descend down the valley to Grosio where you have the choice of which side to climb the mighty Mortirolo. The first side from Grosio is 14km at 8% or continue to Mazzo for the famous side, 12km at 11%. We meet at the top and then descend and ride to Ponte di Legno for lunch. From here, we climb the Gavia before descending back to Bormio. One of the finest loops in Europe with two bucket list climbs. Bring all your gears for the Mortirolo!
Day Five: Departure Day
The transfer back to Milan is takes 3:30. Your transfer departure time will be emailed before departure.