The World’s top riders are currently battling it out out in the first important stage races of the year. In France riders tackle the classic Paris – Nice route, taking them across the rolling countryside of the Rhone valley, the hills of the Massif Central and the coastal mountains bordering the Mediterranean. Over in Italy Tirreno – Adriatico is the traditional form builder for Milan – San Remo a few days later. The route varies each year but takes in the huge variety of riding that central Italy has to offer; Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Umbria.

Tirreno – Adriatico Custom Tour

One of our most popular routes for a custom tour is our take on the classic Tirreno – Adriatico route. Comprising three days of riding, the ride combines stunning scenery with the best of Italian hospitality. The route commences with a gentle roll through the famous Chianti region of Tuscany before traversing the Appennini mountains crossing the Tiber valley and a stop in the renaissance town of Urbino. Our final day leaves us to cherry pick some challenging climbs from the Nove Colli sportive before catching a glimpse of the Adriatic sea and a drop down off the Appennini range for a fast run into Cesenatico to toast a great route with some Prosecco whilst dipping your feet into the sea.

The start and finish towns are also very significant in professional cycling. Mario Cipollini the playboy of Italian cycling is a resident of Lucca and is often seen posing around the town and looking cool out on the roads. As we cycle through cycling mad Tuscany we will inevitably see whole teams out training with the team director shouting from the car. As we ride closer to our final destination Marco Pantani’s influence will be obvious. You’ll get the chance to scale his favourite mountain and in his home town of Cesenatico you can even visit the museum dedicated to this much loved son of Italian cycling.

Day One: Lucca to Raddi in Chianti (120km)

Day Two: Radda in Chianti to Urbino (160km)

Day Three: Urbino to Cesenatico (140km)

Paris – Nice Custom Tour

This summer we’re also helping a group of lucky riders trace their own Race To The Sun. Starting on the outskirts of Paris, the group spend 10 days traversing France’s wine country, tackling the great climbs of the Alps and arriving in style in Nice. Taking inspiration from the Paris-Nice professional race first run in 1933, this tour is designed to allow riders to experience the best of France. While the professional race is held in the spring and limits the route from traversing the high mountains, the mid-summer timing of this tour allows passes of the most magnificent alpine passes.

If either of these great tours sounds appealing then don’t hesitate in contacting us.

View photos from the Tirreno – Adriatico Ride 2011 below