Multi-day sportives: know of any more?

bahzob
bahzob Posts: 2,195
On another (Stelvio) thread airegin mentioned what looks like an excellent multi-day cyclosportive.
airegin wrote:
I rode the Stelvio pass as part of the Giro delle Dolomiti a couple of years ago - it was a week-long cyclosportive event. Great atmosphere. The distances varied each day and infact you only really have to ride hard during the one timed section that they do in each stage (it's usually on the hardest climb of the day).
It's a great event and I'd recommend doing it.
http://www.girodolomiti.com/
http://www.2wheelchick.blogspot.com/

I know of some others multi day sportives, like the Tour of Wessex here and the Tour of Ireland (and doing both this year). Think they are fun because if you go to the hassle of getting yourself and bike somewhere for a sportive the more days it goes on for the better.

Are there any more that people know about?
Martin S. Newbury RC

Comments

  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,114
    There is the Giro di Sardinia which looks more like a fancy training camp.
  • Try www.tourofireland.eu/home sounds great.
    tpmlogan
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Just in case you want to come to the states -
    7 day, fully supported rides.

    www.ridetherockies.com

    www.bicycletourcolorado.com

    Denns Noward
  • Crapaud
    Crapaud Posts: 2,483
    dennisn wrote:
    Just in case you want to come to the states -
    7 day, fully supported rides.

    www.ridetherockies.com

    www.bicycletourcolorado.com

    Denns Noward
    These look more like tours than sportives.
    A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject - Churchill
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Crapaud wrote:
    dennisn wrote:
    Just in case you want to come to the states -
    7 day, fully supported rides.

    www.ridetherockies.com

    www.bicycletourcolorado.com

    Denns Noward
    These look more like tours than sportives.

    Well, I guess I'm not too sure of the meaning of sportives. A little help here.
    In any case a couple of tough rides if you're looking for a challenge.

    dennis noward
  • Crapaud
    Crapaud Posts: 2,483
    A sportive is a bit like a stage race, with a mass start and is timed.
    See the itinery (on the right hand side) from Andp's link:Giro di Sardinia

    I haven't ridden one myself. No doubt someone will be along shortly to give you a more definitive description.

    (Your links are interesting though, esp. Ride the Rockies!)
    A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject - Churchill
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Crapaud wrote:
    A sportive is a bit like a stage race, with a mass start and is timed.
    See the itinery (on the right hand side) from Andp's link:Giro di Sardinia

    I haven't ridden one myself. No doubt someone will be along shortly to give you a more definitive description.

    (Your links are interesting though, esp. Ride the Rockies!)

    Hmmmmmm, interesting, a timed thing. I have a friend who has been talking about
    doing some riding across the pond. Who knows. I may not be in contention for
    "King of the Mountain" but have won my share of "Fool on the Hill" and I think I
    could do it in Europe also.

    Dennis Noward
  • airegin
    airegin Posts: 34
    The week of the Marmotte there are a few bike events taking place. Your results from all the races are put together so you get a ranking for the Trophee de L'Oisans.

    It's not strictly speaking a multi-day sportive as you don't race every day. There's the Vaujany on the Sunday (174km), the Prix des Grandes Rousses (40km/1600m climbing) on Wednesday, the Marmotte (174km) on the Saturday, and the Grimpee de l'Alpe (15km hill climb) on the Sunday.
    http://www.bike-oisans.com/oisans-vtt-c ... genda.html

    For one that's not so well known over here, is the Clermont-Aurillac-Clermont. It's run over 2 days (180km each day) and takes you through the Cantal/Auvergne area. You ride from Clermont Ferrand to Aurillac taking in one set of mountains on Saturday, and then back to Clermont on Sunday via a different set of mountains. I'm not sure which climbs they take in - probably Puy Mary + other puys in that area. They sort out all the logistics (luggage transfer/hotel) for you for a reasonable cost. Note this event is held every other year. The next one will be next year (late June). It is alternated with another of their events - a one day cyclosportive that takes you up the legendary Puy de Dome.
    http://www.ctmontferrand.com/

    There's another Giro multi-stage race in Italy around early August. Not sure of the details of this one. Their site is on this gran fondo calendar.
    http://www.bicimilano.it/granfondo_2008.htm

    I'm doing the Giro di Sardegna - also a multi-day sportive. In fact I'm using it as a substitute for a training camp ! It doesn't cost any more than I'd pay for a training camp and at least there'll be some structure to the riding. And if you're lucky you may even get a prize for your efforts ! :lol:

    http://www.2wheelchick.blogspot.com/
  • Just on the Giro of Sardinia: for the last couple of years it's been won by Emanuele Negrini, who wins all the Italian GFs/Sportives when Rumsas (BOOO!) isn't riding. The level ranges from ex-pros to people who are trying racing for the first time, and everyone has a great time but it can be VERY hard. The first time I did it, after the GF on the Sunday and a two-hour flattish bunch-of-600-try-to-make-the-breaks stage on Monday, I thought I'd not make it to the end of the week...but you do get into it, particularly if you sleep in the afternoons (4 course lunch + glass of wine helps here...). The medio fondo has higher average speeds than the GF: last year the winner of an undulating stage managed 49km/h...
    ...the highest-placed Brit last year was 12th, and he's coming back this year. This year's event will have more participants than ever. You can sign up until the end of Feb

    Peter (lives in Sardinia, volunteer for organisers Mare & Monti, the link in this thread points to our site www.peteranne.it)
  • A nice Scottish 2 day ride
    http://www.cyclecairngorms.org/

    Peter
  • huret
    huret Posts: 62
    This one is long. A tour of Italy.

    http://bike-dreams.com/BI/EN/00_Home.htm
    Savoie between the Glandon and the Madeleine.