The 91ST GIRO D’ITALIA 2008 Ride & Watch a classic Mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia Arabba to Passo Fedaia (Marmolada), 153km PREMIUM TOUR 4* Hotel Dolomiti, Canazei Thursday 22nd May to Monday 26th May 2008

Have you ever dreamed of riding a Mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia?

Sports Tours Cycling Graham Baxter have brought to you the new concept of riding a classic mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia 2 days before the Giro completes the same stage and staying on to watch the pros complete the same stage.

For the 2008 Giro d’Italia we have chosen stage 15 from Arabba to Passo Fedaia (Marmolada). It is a classic Dolomite Mountain stage over a 153km that takes in no less than 5 mountain passes (Passo Pordoi, Passo San Pelegrino, Passo Giau, Passo Falzarego before finishing on top of the Passo Fedaia (Marmolada).

Unlike many cyclo sportive events, we don’t require a medical and there is no broom wagon chasing you, but you must be in good enough condition to be able to complete this mountainous stage. We will set some timing guidelines and should you fall behind these you will be required to get in the support vehicle.

Not only will you watch the Pros complete the same stage, you will also get the chance to see the mountain stage finish to Alpe di Pampeago.

Thursday 22^nd May:
Arrange your own flight to Venice Marco Polo airport, or contact us for details (UK customers only), where at 13.00hrs you will be met by our reps and we shall commence our journey to the Italian Dolomites and the beautiful town of Canazei where we shall spend 4 nights on Half Board Basis (Dinner B&B) at the excellent 4* Hotel Dolomiti.

Our location in Canazei is excellent for accessing all the Dolomite mountain stages of the Giro d’Italia.

Friday 23^rd May: Ride a Classic Mountain stage of the 2008 Giro d’Italia
After an early breakfast we shall take you the short distance from our base in Canazei to the town of Arabba where we shall start to ride this Classic Mountain stage of the 2008 Giro d’Italia. The stage is 153km, but takes in 5 classic mountain passes through the beautiful Dolomites, all which are over 2,000mt.

After the start in Arabba you are immediately onto the Passo Pordoi, followed by a descent and passed our hotel in Canazei before the second climb the Passo San Pelegrino, after which comes the steep Passo Giau and then the Passo Falzarego before the final climb to the finish on top of the 2,057mt Passo Fedaia, better known as the Marmolada.

Throughout the ride you will be supported by a Sports Tours Cycling Graham Baxter vehicle.

After completing the ride we shall return the short distance (14km descent) back to our hotel in Canazei.

Saturday 24^th May: Watch Mountain top finish at Alpe Pampeago
Our first encounter with the 2008 Giro d’Italia will be the mountain top finish to the ski station of Alpe di Pampeago. After two weeks of racing, today’s stage will not only be the first high mountain stage, it will be the first mountain top finish, so the climbers and anyone with serious ambitions of the overall will show their face.
Our location in Canazei is excellent for accessing the stage, and those with bikes will be able to ride the 45km from our hotel to the ski station of Alpe di Pampeago to see the stage. Those without bikes will be taken to the town of Cavalese from where they will be able to walk onto the slopes of the climb to Alpe di Pampeago.
After seeing the stage we shall return to our hotel in Canazei, and those with bikes may want to ride back to the hotel. Alternatively you can return on the bus.

Sunday 25^th May: Watch Classic Dolomite Mountain stage
Today you will be able to watch the same Dolomite stage you road two days ago.
The mountains continue and today’s stage is an absolute classic Dolomite mountain stage that finishes on the top of the famous Marmolada climb. Packed into this short mountain stage of 153km are no less than 5 mountains, all of them over 2,000mts. First on the menu is the famous Passo Pordoi, followed by the Passo San Pellegrino, Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego before finishing on top of the Marmolada (Passo Fedaia).

Our location in Canazei could not be better for accessing today’s stage as we are located on the stage route and only 14km from the mountain top finish of the Marmolada. Those with bikes will be able to watch the stage on both the Passo Pordoi or San Pelegrino as well as the finish on the Marmolada mountain.

Because of the stage routing, you’ll be able to see the stage twice (Passo San Pelegrino & the finish on top of the Marmolada).

Those without bikes will be able to see the stage on either the Passo Pordoi or the San Pelegrino climb, and depending upon race logistics it may also be possible to see the stage at another location.
After seeing the stage we shall return to the hotel in Canazei.

Monday 26^th May:
After an early breakfast we shall leave the Dolomites and the town of Canazei and travel back to Venice Marco Polo airport. You will be dropped back at Venice Marco Polo airport at approx 13.00hrs for your return flights.

Order a full Graham Baxter Sporting Tours cycling kit (short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, socks and cap) for only £70 (list price £85) when purchased with your holiday booking. See clothing page for clothing details and sizes. Clothing order must be paid in full and sent with holiday booking. The offer does not apply if ordered separately from holiday booking.

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