Italy / Venice Lands

1. Individual arrival in Vicenza

Vicenza is the city of racing bikes and home to many professional cyclists.It is a city of art and industry, where dozens of world-famous companies are headquartered: Fizik, Selle Italia, Wilier, Campagnolo and many others.

2. Vicenza – Bassano del Grappa (120 km, + 1,500 m, 5 h)

From Vicenza you cycle north towards Marostica: you pedal through the square where they play chess and up along the castle walls, heading for the high plain of Asiago. The ascent to Asiago is intimidating, 15 km at 6% that leaves you breathless but with splendid scenery, through secular woods with the tallest of pine trees. A slight downhill stretch and then immediately up again towards Foza and again down to Valstagna. The Valsugana cycle path takes you to Bassano.

Ferri says:

the worst part is the ascent up to Asiago. I have cycled it hundreds of times with Pozzato, Rebellin, Ballan… you are highly likely to meet them on these roads.

3. Bassano del Grappa – Treviso (120 km, + 2,500 m, 6 h)

This stage starts immediately with the ascent up to Mount Grappa, where epic battles were fought during World War I, but also in the Giro d'Italia and in the historic race that has been run here since 1930: 27 km, a difference of 1,500 metres in altitude, with a central apparently flat stretch of 3.5 km. Long descent down to Valdobbiadene in the province of Treviso, through the Prosecco wine hills. 

Variation (80 km, 700 m, 4 h). Those wanting to avoid the Grappa ascent can follow the road that runs through the Asolo hills, a lovely town with a fortress, and then continue to Valdobbiadene and Treviso.

Ferri says:

a wonderful route if the weather is good. In bad weather, come down from Mount Grappa via Camposolagna-Campo Croce-Crespano: the descent from the top of Grappa to Valdobbiadene is demanding and can be dangerous when it rains.

4. Treviso – Treviso (100 km, + 1,300 m, 4 h)

A tough circular route with continual uphill–downhill stretches through the Montello and Prosecco hills. In the lovely Vittorio Veneto you can take a break before heading back to Treviso.

Ferri says:

today the scenery is still breathtaking, through vineyards and woods, along roads where many Treviso-based professional cyclists train. This stage partly follows the world Treviso circuit, won by Joop Zoetemelk, ahead of Greg Lemond and Moreno Argentin. Pace yourselves otherwise you might find it difficult to reach your hotel!

5. Treviso – Venice – Chioggia (80 km)

A flat route along the canals of the Sile River that head seawards. You cycle through Jesolo, a renowned summer tourist resort and come to Cavallino Treporti, where you take a ferry that stops in Venice, Lido island, Pellestrina and Chioggia.

Ferri says:

an easy stage, on the flat, dominated by the scent of the sea and sand.

6. Chioggia – Abano Terme (100 km, + 1,000 m, 4 h)

The stage starts with 40 km of flat cycling along the rivers to Monselice. From here you come to the Euganean Hills regional park, where you find continual ascents and descents, some hard, and delightful little towns such as Arquà Petrarca. This stage ends in Abano Terme, a renowned spa resort.

Ferri says:

pay attention to the wind during the first part and pace your pedalling, as the last part is winding with some arduous ascents and up to 3-4 km long. Today’s stage is another classic for professionals on the Giro del Veneto.

7. Abano Terme – Vicenza (100 km, + 1,300 m, 4 h)

You leave the Euganean Hills behind you and cycle to Ponte di Barbarano, where the road starts to rise and fall a dozen times, through the Colli Berici. Down towards Costozza and after a few km on the level, as you come into Vicenza, you can admire the marvellous Villa La Rotonda by Palladio.

Ferri says:

not much traffic and a route through green countryside, short yet challenging ascents before the final descent… arms up towards the sky and dream of winning, Vicenza is the finishing line!

8. Vicenza

Departure after breakfast.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Along the way you may find temporary deviations (for example road works) which cannot be foreseen; in this case each rider can decide autonomously how to deal with these stretches.