7 Muri Fermani — April 28th to May 7th & May 4th to May 7th 2012

Overview
Location
7 Muri Fermani
Services
Registration

2012 will mark the 4th edition of 7 Muri Fermani, translated as the '7 Walls of Fermo' is one of the most exciting recent additions to the Italian national Gran Fondo circuit. Modeled after the Tour of Flanders it's rguable the most grueling and brutal Grand Fondo ever with 7 incredible steep hills to be raced over within a short distance of each other. A long sweeping panoramic route that takes in the Adriatic coastline and the Val d'Asao valley before heading into the hills of Marca Fermana and back to the brutally steep surrounding the provincial capital of Fermo. The first 60 km flat turning to false flat before tackling the first of the warm up climbs at Petritoli. With 2 new additional climbs this year to get over before heading back to Fermo where the first of 7 severe, uncompromising hills with gradients from 15% to an incredible 30%. Just like the previous two editions the race profile is one of the hardest and toughest on the Gran Fondo calendar.

Of all the Gran Fondo's we offer for our clients this one really is for the hard men and women who look for extreme challenges and race to overcome fear and anxiety that is, whether we admit or not is always part of our sport. We recommend before you sign up that you commit to a program that will see you in suitable condition to take on event. With a start date at the end of May you should have enough time to get in the necessary base and conditioning before arriving in Italy.

Location
Accommodation
Weather

Our base is located near the southern part of the Marche region in Italy, close to the Adriatic coastline and a short distance from an area in the Apennine mountain range known as the Sibillini. Training will be mostly in the province of Fermo, know also a Marca Fermana.

Quite, virtually traffic free roads, clean air and several beaches with a prestigious Blue Flag award, its not surprising that this region is slowly gaining a reputation as a sporting paradise.

The Apennines mountain range that runs down the country reach their highest point, over 3000 meters, between the regions of Marche and Abruzzo. The proximity of such high mountains close to sea level means you can begin climbing mountain passes without the need for several days to adapt to altitude.

Our spring camps feature climbs like Forca di Presta, Sassotetta, San Giacomo and summer camps include Monte Petrano, Monte Nerone and Blockhaus (featured in the 2009 Giro d'Italia).

This perfect geographic layout of rolling hills, short steep climbs, medium length climbs, catgorised climbs and flat valley roads gives you an incredibly varied terrain that is possible to ride all in one training ride.

Our main base in Marche is a restored country house situated on an organic farm in the Val d'Aso valley. The farm house is surrounded by olive, peach, pear and fig trees. Like New England in the Fall with it's impressive changing colors, Val d'Aso attracts visitors very year during spring time to witness it's spectacular colorful growth when the valley comes alive early in the year. There is something about riding on the main road to the mountains that gives you that bit of extra motivation and energy. Summer and Fall see wheat harvesting, slopes covered in sunflowers, apple orchards and blooming peach and pear trees. The Val d'Aso valley is also well know in Italy for quality fruit and vegetables such as lettuce, florence fennel, kiwi, and is particularly well know for peaces, pears and apples.

The house is less than 10 minutes ride from the sea at sits at the base of three beautiful medieval hamlets, Altidona, Moresco and Monterubbiano. Moresco is notably one of the few small towns in Italy to receive the prestigious 'Borgo Piu Bella d'Italia' from Touring Club Italia recognizing the 12th century fortified village for its beauty and the uniqueness of it heptagonal shaped tower. The only one of its kind in Italy.

All of our prices are based on single rooms with the option of a double if you are traveling with someone. We believe after a riding a good part of the day you will rest, relax and recover better when you have more space, privacy and control over your sleeping environment

This year the organisers have decided to move the race forward on the calender to late Spring. Last year, because of the earlier date a quick rain shower wet the steep slopes on the 7 wicked walls just enough to make the 20% gradients slippy enough to render climbing out of the saddle almost impossible on the steepest of sections. Riding a 30% pitch seated is not a pleasant experience!

Now with a later date there is a greatly reduced chance of rain but an increased chance of a hot sunny day. Well, at least you will be able to get out of the saddle and between the organisers road side support and the 'tifosi' pouring water on you will can plenty of opportunity to shower yourself along the way.

If you like riding tough races in the sun then this is your day!

7 Muri Fermani or '7 Walls of Fermo' is fast becoming one of the classic tough races on the Gran Fondo calendar. The race is held in the capital of Mayfly's training base region, Fermo, a short 20 minutes drive from the base at Casa Vecchia. If you choose a week long camp you will have the opportunity to ride and study the 7 climbs prior to the event. For riders coming over for the weekend there will also be a reconnaissance of the route the day before the race. Like all Gran Fondos the race starts at a furious pace and the group descends down to the coast and back again up the Val d'Aso valley where 2 additional longer climbs will have to be tackled first before arriving at the final section of the races where each of the 7 walls are encountered in near succession. The final wall is in Fermo and leads all the way into the beautiful Piazza del Popolo. A dramatic finish to a epic event! There is also a woman's Pro race on Sunday that begins in the afternoon after the Gran Fondo.

http://www.7murifermani.it/

Guides
Nutrition
Massage
Mechanic
Concierge

There are 3 levels of support services with each training and racing camp, Rider, Team and Pro support. Rider and Pro are for custom camps only, contact us for more information on how to design and reserve a camp. All of our scheduled events have Team Support a explained in the services section in each camp. Our guides are experienced racers and have ridden many of the Gran Fondo's in Italy. They will be part of the group rides daily and will be your 'gregarrios' for Gran Fondo races.

Training groups are kept small for safety and efficiency out on the road. Groups ride and maintain formation, riding proper pace lines according to wind direction and terrain.

In case at any time someone wishes to cut training short they will have someone to escort them back to our lodging.

Our team nutritionist is Dr. Pete Pomei, one of the top sports consultants in Italy who also works with some of Italy top soccer teams. Our menus are designed to be balanced, fuel sufficient and delicious taking full advantage of local fresh produce, fish, meat and dairy products. The family style kitchen prepares lunches and dinners using only local produce following traditional recipes.

You will also be able to try a selection of various sports nutritional recommended by Dr Pompei, products from Italy and even these can be surprisingly delicious!

Included with Team Support and Pro Suport are 2 professional massages for 7 to 10 day camps. Massage is something we take seriously and we are keen on stressing the benefits from receiving a proper massage specially adapted for a cyclist's legs. During the spring time when your condition is still not quite there and training long days in cooler temperatures it becomes difficult to recover and for your muscles to stay supple.

Not all massages will work for a cyclist and only a masseuse with experience that understands the demands of cycling and the sensations experienced by cyclists can give you the best possible treatment. If done correctly, a great masseuse can help speed up the recovery process, keeping your muscles supple so as to preserve your ability to perform the next day.

Our masseuse, an ex professional cyclist, has over 35 years of experience massaging elite cyclists. The first massage will be the day after you arrive to help you adapt and recover from jet lag. Travel can leave your legs tights and sore so we realize it's important that you get the first rides in with supple muscles or you may have difficulty all week with recovery. If you require any other specific therapy we can arrange a visit with our chiropractor.

Each day there is a team car following the groups with spare wheels, bikes, extra clothing energy drinks and nutrition. All flats are dealt with just like in a race. In other words, if you flat your hand goes up, you pull over and a mechanic will change your wheel. The group rides on and you can use the opportunity, if you happen to be unlucky to practice riding back to a group paced by the team car. If for some reason you have difficulty the group will be asked to wait for you.

Both our bases at Casa Vecchia and Le Corti can arrange for a number of activities such as, horseback riding, wine tastings, spa treatment as well as making reservations is some of the best places to dine in Florence, Fermo, Lucca and Pisa. Without having to take a chance on a guide book recommendation, The Prince himself will be able to offer you his knowledge and opinion on where to go for that unique afternoon lunch or dinner out on the town. If you travel with family or do decide to stay longer after the camp is finished we also have a professional tourist guide available who can help you design a itinerary tailored to your needs and schedule.

Prices are based on single occupancy full board accommodation. Dining every day includes, large breakfast, lunch, coffee on stops and evening dinner with wine. Before purchasing online you can choose to opt for double occupancy at a reduced rate. Transfer is provided also and included in the price (see below). Group transfers for custom camps can be arranged from Bologna International Airport or Rome Di Vinci International at additional cost. Contact us for more information. We give you the flexibility of choosing your arrival day. This will allow for more options when booking a flight to suit your schedule. You can arrive one day early or late If for some reason you cant make the official start date. There is also the option to extend your camp by 1 day. Adding or subtracting a day will still include transfers.

Included is private transfer from Ancona Falconara and Pescara airports and both train stations from the airports or train stations listed below.

Airports: Ancona (Falconara, Marche) and Pescara, (Abruzzo) - Florence & Bologna International for Tuscan camps.

Train Stations: Ancona and Porto San Giorgio.

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