La Bella Italia/Les Six Alpes May 2009

Italy doesn't need an introduction. The country has everything: a wealth of culture, idyllic villages, historical cities, stunning coastlines, slumbering volcanoes and the landscapes of "La Dolce Vita".  It also has a rich cyclinghistory with famous names such as Bartali, Coppi and Pantani.

OCF and Bike Dreams have combined to bring you an exceptional cycling challenge from Palermo in Sicily to the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo in the middle of Lake Como to the north.  The 3,000 kms ride will take 33 days to complete and includes visits to Pompeii, Rome, Florence and Venice.

The route along well maintained and relatively quiet roads varies from flat and winding along the Italian coast line, steep inland hills, long straight roads on the Padan Plain and the mythical climb of the Passo dello Stelvio with its 48 hairpins.

In recognition that 33 days (excluding international travel time) may be out of the question for some, we can offer the shorter trips of Palermo to Roma or Roma to Como.

La Bella Italia is a challenging ride in a wonderful country.  It will be like cycling in an open air museum.  It is a country where dreams become a reality.

And for those that have been inspired by the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, now you have the opportunity to climb what you have seen on television.

Our 8 day Alps cycling challenge will start in Como and finish in Nice two days before the start of The Tour De France in neighbouring Monaco. Over 7 days you will cycle 800 kms and climb over 14,500m including 6 cols above 2,000m; Col de St. Bernard 2,188m, Col d'Iseran 2,764m, Col du Galibier 2,645m, Col d'Izoard 2,360m, Col de Vars 2,111m and the Col de la Bonette 2,715m.  In addition, you will be enthralled by the views of Lake Como, Lago di Lugano, Lago Maggiore and Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest mountain at 4,801m.

The dates of the Alps challenge have been picked so the trip starts at the completion of La Bella Italia.  So for those of you that have the time and the stamina, you can take on the total challenge from Como to Nice.  Alternatives are Roma to Nice or just Como to Nice for those that just want to do the Alps cycle challenge.

Go to the http://www.bike-dreams.com/BI/EN/00_Home.htm to find out more and to register.

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