Gran Fondo dei Sibilini — July 3 2011

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.