Sulle colline del Verdicchio — April 20th to 23rd 2012

Overview
Location
Gran Fond Verdicchio
Itinerary
Services
Registration

In a nearby province as you head further up the coast is the setting for our first Gran Fondo for 2012. Set among rolling hills in beautiful wine country and not far from Pesaro, where the late Pavarotti resided, is the hamlet of Serre di Conti. This small village plays host to one of the great early season events in Marche, Gran Fondo Colline del Verdicchio. The race is sponsored by a consortium of wine producers of one of the top white wines in Italy, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Verdicchio wine is made from a nobel grape of the same name and it is considered the very best fish wine Italy has to offer. The area rises gently inland from the Adriatic coast just west of the portal town of Ancona right up to the foothills of the Appenine mountain range. The Mayor of Serre di Conti, is the driving force behind the race routed across this beautiful doc territory. He knows how to welcome visitors and this is evident from the post race celebration lunch that takes the famous Gran Fondo 'pasta party' to a whole new level. Naturally there is plenty of the award winning Verdicchio flowing to accompany the delicious food and help with recovery process. This is a short weekend camp with the focus on Gran Fondo Colline del Verdicchio and without a doubt one of the classist events on the Italian calendar.

http://www.collinedelverdicchio.it/

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

Where you'll be staying for this camp.

Spring time on the Adriatic coast is very similar to the Mediterranean on the other side of the country with temperatures ranging from 15 to about 20 degrees celsius and above (60 + fahrenheit). Spring weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable but mostly with beautiful warm sunny days. There is always the chance of rain therefore we recommend you pack, arm warmers, lighweight winter gloves, wind and rain jackets to be on the safe side.

The best way to describe this race's profile is undulating with continuous rolling hills and short climbs. Depending on where you are from 'hill' may have a very different meaning. However they are never very steep, averaging 5-6 percent and never very long, 3 to 5 km. It's the frequency at which they have to be tackled, you could almost say relentless that can really makes the race hard. If you do find yourself off the back but manage to maintain a steady rhythm, any ground lost on the climb is possilbe to make it back on the descent. There are a few sharp pitches, mostly near the GPM but this race requires that you ride within yourself and find a steady rhythm. It's the perfect early season Gran Fondo and a great power and strength builder. A difference you will surly notice in the days to come when you have fully recovered.

A detailed daily itinerary will be provided to you once you have registered. Below is a summary of camp activities.

This is a 4 day camp focused on Gran Fondo Colline del Verdicchio.

The camp starts officially on Friday morning. Transfers available from the suggested airports or train stations
You will receive a professional massage on Friday or Saturday to help remove all accumulated fatigue from training.
Lunch and dinner will be at our bace Casa Vecchia. Both meals specially prepared to provide plenty of fuel for the race
Sunday morning we leave early for the 1 hour drive to the start in Serre di Conti.
After the race we will have a VIP lunch hosted by the organisers of the race.
That evening after a Champagne reception we will celebrate with a final dinner at Casa Vecchia.
Monday morning camp ends and you will be transferred back to the airport or train station.

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.

Reserve a place now
with a deposit

Weekend camp
(3 nights)