Opportunity to Ride the Giro d'Italia Route

From the The Prostate Cancer Charity, organizer of the Gran Corsa d'Italia (note: this charity event begins on the date the 94th edition of the Giro d'Italia ends):

Gran Corsa d'Italia

29th May - 20th June 2011

Experience the passion and the glory of cycling's most epic race by riding part, or even all, of the 2011 Giro d'Italia.

The Prostate Cancer Charity, in partnership with Sharp Electronics, have teamed up with Phil Deeker and Classic Tours to offer up to 200 riders the ultimate Grand Tour riding experience, in a bid to raise significant funds to improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer.

The Gran Corsa d'Italia offers a once in a lifetime cycling experience; riding fully supported in the tyre tracks of the pros, accompanied by team members from Rapha Condor Sharp on each stage.

The route, designed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification, takes in almost every region's highlight - from Sicily's Mt. Etna to the Dolomites. Setting off from Turin on 29th May, the Gran Corsa team will follow each of the 21 stages, including seven mountain top finishes.

Riders will arrange their own travel to and from the event, and book half board accommodation through our tour operator Classic Tours, and commit to raising sponsorship for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Riders taking part in one pack will pledge to raise £500, £750 to combine 2 packs, and £1250 to take part in 3 packs up to the full route. All of the other arrangements are taken care of by Classic Tours, from transfers between stages, route signage, feed stops and luggage transportation.

We have split the 21 stages of the Giro d'Italia route into 7 packs, designed to allow you to find a selection of stages to suit your ambitions and cycling preferences. Each pack includes 3 stages (which can be combined).

We ask riders to pledge to raise a minimum of:

- £500 to take part in one pack

- £750 to combine two packs

- £1250 to take part in three or more packs


Pack previews:

Pack 1: The Rouleur's Romp 29-31 May 2011 - Get yourself started with 3 flat stages, for a long distance challenge.

Pack 2: The Trio for Tourists 1-3 June 2011 - An exceptional selection of coastal stages for those seeking the 'real Italy'.

Pack 3: The Weekend Warrior Whirl 4-6 June 2011 - Experience the combination of sea side flat stages, and the remarkable climb of Mount Etna.

Pack 4: The Roule 'n Roll Party 8-10 June 2011 - Take on the wild, undulating countryside and historic hill-top towns.

Pack 5: The Pain Pack 12-14 June 2011 - A Dolomite extravaganza, allowing you to list the Zoncolan on your list of cycling achievements.

Pack 6: The Glory Pack 15-17 June 2011 - Spectacular climbs, and stunning views of Lake Como; Northern Italy in all its glory.

Pack 7: The Finale Pack 18-20 June 2011 - Ride over the Colle del Finestre and Sestriere and share in decades of cycling tradition; celebrate the conclusion of the Gran Corsa d'Italia in style!

Riders will organise their own travel to and from the Italy, and pay for their accommodation (booked through our tour operator at an average cost of 50 euros per night). We recommend riders book their flights to arrive the night prior to their first stage, and to depart the day following their last stage. All transfers and meals within the tour will be provided through our tour operator.

"We are talking about the very same route that forms one of the three major stage races in the world of cycle sport; that means the same mountains, same descents, same transfers and same sprint stages." The Washingmachine Post

Take a look at our information sheet to find out what you will need to apply, and download our stage selection guide. Finally complete the application form. We are limited to 200 participants, so apply early to secure your place.

Registration and all details at Gran Corsa d'Italia. Registrants will also have a chance to win a limited edition Condor Acciaio bicycle.

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