Italian training camps

Once_In_A_Blue_Moon

I'm looking at heading off to Italy in February, I know Spain is probably a more popular destination, but I've always wanted to visit Italy.

Can anybody suggest any training camps? I've found this site http://www.italybikehotels.it/ but I'm not interested in the fancy hotels, just some good, tough roads and hopefully gain a little more out of the week than just turning up to ride my bike. An Italian equivalent to Club La Santa would be great!

capilinconnemara

A bunch of my clubmates are heading to Italy in March to http://www.bikeholiday.com
It is a nice hotel but they have good rides to offer on top of all the facilities

knedlicky

I've been to hotels catering for cyclists in Cervia and Riccione (both Emilia-Romagna) as well as in Varazze in Liguria and I wouldn't say any were fancy, despite their look and facilities - a matter of culture differences and appearences. So don't be put off by the website.

You'll find tougher riding in Liguria, but in Feb, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria wouldn't be that warm, so if I were you I'd look farther south, like Calabria in your linked website, or Campania which also had bike-orientated hotels, though none are included on your linked website. Both will have slightly tougher riding over short distances than Emilia Romagna.

Once_In_A_Blue_Moon

Thanks for the replies guys, will certainly look into Calabria, as the weather was my main concern being further north (not that I'm a soft tart, but if I want to ride in the clod, I'll stay and ride at home!) to be honest, although Tuscany really does take my fancy.

Kléber

Lots of pro teams go to the Ligurian coast to train but note that if you begin to head inland you can quickly find icy conditions and snow.

If you want, head further south. Or consider one of the islands, whether Sicily, Sardinia or even Elba. The maritime climate keeps things warmer. Overall I'd say Spain can be much warmer but you'll find some excellent roads in Italy, with all the quaint villages and twisting climbs that contrast with the often more boring roads in Spain.

Thomas the Tank Engine

....I've just booked a flight to Gran Canaria from Bournemouth 31st jan-7th feb for £60...bargain...will be doing a weeks riding with http://www.free-motion.net/en in Playa del ingles (check it out).
The comic reviewed it a couple of years ago....seems ok ...20c+ with lots of hills!

Accomodation from £100+ based on 2 sharing.
Airport transfer £12
Bike hire £100 (Ryan air charge £80(!) so not worth the hassle taking your own)

Anyone interested...?

Thomas

Peter Herold

Sardinia is nice. We moved to live here after first getting to know the island cycling here (as well as Sicily, Puglia, Elba...), and there is great cycling round where we live, though no organised training camps. We have mountains up to 1000m within 20km of where we are on the coast, very good for getting fit, though in Feb you do have to wrap up for the descents. Very well maintained roads with great climbs and descents, little traffic.

If you google "Sardinia cycling" you can find us. We run a guesthouse and if I put a link to our site you might think we're just trying to get business. But the first half of Feb we're away, and the area really does deserve to be better known for cycling. On our website you find lots of photos and descriptions of cycling round here, maybe the nicest part of the island for cycling. If you have a look, you'll have a bit more info to help you decide where to go.

ciao Peter & Anne

LittleB0b

Peter Herold wrote:

If you google "Sardinia cycling" you can find us. We run a guesthouse and if I put a link to our site you might think we're just trying to get business.

Although a link in your signature might be a smart move