Hilly European Sportive

thecm

Fancying a European Sportive next year of the hilly variety...done only a bit out there before with a Pyrenean Raid and a regular March week in Majorca.
First thought was the Etape...but seems difficult to get into and then La Marmotte but that may well clash with the Saunders Mountain Marathon. There are huge numbers of GFs in Italy but where to start? Living in the Lakes a direct flight from Manchester/Liverpool or Newcastle would be preferable. Happy to self-organise and make a week of it too.

Any suggestions?

I am the god of hell fire

I self entered the Etape this year and got in within minutes of the online system opening

The English side of the site was slow but I speak enough French (minimal in practice) to click through on their side immediately

Its not difficult!

elcanyonman

Hi
We attend a couple of very hilly sportives here in Andalucia and can help you with a very flexible package or steer you in the right direction http://vamoscycling.com/news-and-events

Peak Times

The central Pyrenees is the historical home of the mountain stages of the Tour de France and there are a good choice of sportives of varying distances throughout the year.

A superb end of year event is the Lapebie which is in the same Medal d'Ore series as the Marmotte. Earlier in the year you have the Pyreneene (May-June) and the Barousse Bales (Sept) as well as a few others.

There are flights into Toulouse from Manchester and Leeds Bradford during the summer.

thecm

Thanks for those tips...having just watched tonights Vuelta highlights...Galicia looks tempting too.

Ron Stuart

Nove Colli from Cesenatico, this year 22nd May fly from Liverpool to Rimini 12min free transfer to http://www.belvederericcione.com/en/nove-colli/ probably the best bike hotel in the world, offical site here http://www.novecolli.it/home.php?lang=eng Have been to the Belvedere Riccione 10 times and done the Nove Colli 4 times it's the biggest in Italy.

or

Maratona in the Dolomites fly to Treviso we hired a minibus (we had a party of five) This takes place on the first Sunday in July and you might get a sight of Mario Cipollini with his jersey off climbing :shock: only if the weather is nice though. http://www.maratona.it/en/

andrew@snowrace

Hi I'm off to the Quebrantahuesos again in June next year 200 km 3 passes Somport, Marie Blanc and the Portalet all finished off with a nice climb up into Hoz de jaca. The organisers are very keen to get overseas riders and have guarenteed places to a couple of tour operators I also have a couple avalble at cost with no package attached via a friend in the know let me know if you fancy it. Andy. pm me if I can be of any help its a great event with a great commitee who are very keen to see more international riders

thecm

Whats the date?

andrew@snowrace

June 23rd I'm flying out on the Wed before and home on Sunday or Monday let me know if you need anymore info or if theres anything I can help with. Andy

APIII

The Pyreneene mentioned above is a great event. I rode it a couple of years ago. Mass start, classic cols, great marshalling, and a nice s/s jersey thrown in for about €30 I think.

ilsassocycling

The Nove Colli is great but this year it filled up within 3 days of opening!.. 12,000 people!..

There are a load of fantastic Fondo's all over Italy, they are pretty cheap and you always get a lot for your money, on top of a great route.

Give me a shout if you need any more info/translation etc, if not, hope you pick a great one mate!

Ron Stuart

Check out the Belvedere Hotel.... http://www.belvederericcione.com/en/nove-colli/ They might well find some room for the event and are the best bike hotel in the world.

morrisje

This one nearly killed me. It is in the Alps.

http://www.bikes-oisans.com/alpes-mtb-c ... ts-39.html