Italian Lakes Cycle Challenge

• 02-04 MAY 2027 - SOLD OUT

• 24-26 June 2027 - LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

• The event cost £150 in registration fees plus £1,399.00.

• If you are self-funding the trip, payment must be made in full 3 months before the trip.

• If you are fundraising for a charity to cover the costs of your place, please ensure this is agreed with the charity in advance.

REGISTRATION FEE
Your registration fee is £150 for this challenge and is non-refundable.

CHALLENGE COSTS
If you are self-funding the trip this will need to be paid in full 3-months in advance of the trip. The event costs is £1,499.00

CANCELLATION
If you cancel for any reason the following will apply.

•  Cancel +3 months prior to the event - 100% refund

• Cancel 8-12 weeks prior to the event - 50% refund

• Cancel 0-8 weeks prior to the event - 0% refund

Full Event Terms & Conditions are available below.

On the challenge itself our experienced team, will be with you at every stage of the journey.

If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to support you.

Our experienced team will always be very close by.

What’s included…

• Three nights accommodation

• Food & drink - breakfast, lunch, and evening meals (not night 3)

• Transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport

• 24/7 support from our team.

• Bicycle roadside repairs not including parts, which are available at additional cost.

• What’s not included…

  • Travel to and from Milan (we can arrange additional costs apply)

  • Hotel, the night before the event (we can arrange additional costs apply)

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Bicycle hire – each participant must bring their own recently serviced bicycle to Milan.

  • Bicycle Transfer (we can arrange additional costs apply)

  • Bicycle insurance

  • Travel Insurance

TRAVEL TO MILAN MALPENSA
You will need to arrange your travel to Milan Malpensa and overnight accommodation the night before. Also, your travel back home. We can arrange for you, but additional cots apply.

PERSONAL INSURANCE
It’s important to have personal insurance for a trip like this. Even if you’ve already got travel insurance, check with your provider that the insurance you have covers you and your bike for a trip of this nature. You should also have a European Health Insurance Card. If you have an existing EHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date on the card. Once your current card expires, you'll need to apply for a new card. You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your current card expires and can get one by clicking here.

BIKE EQUIPMENT
You’ll need to make sure that you have a bike that’s in good working order, a helmet, and the relevant cycling clothing. We suggest you use a road bike or a hybrid. We’ll also have plenty of water and energy stops – but do bring your own bottle (or two) for your bike too. It might also be worth investing in some padded shorts they make a real difference!

Your additional kit will be carried by the support vehicles throughout the three days. Do contact us if you have any questions about your bike or kit list. We do not carry reserve bikes, so in the unfortunate circumstance that your bike is beyond repair, we can arrange a rental bike for you (additional costs apply) from the nearest bike rental shop. Though in our experience most repairs can be done at the roadside.

PERSONAL ITEMS
You’ll also need all the usual things that you’d pack for a weekend away – toiletries, money and, of course, your passport. Check you’ve got six months left on your passport, to be on the safe side. Entry requirements for travel to France can be found here.

Checklist - see full kit list

TRAVEL

Travel to and from Milan for you and your bike. Flights & bike transfer available at an additional cost.

DAY 1 - Milan to Locarno

We’ll set off from the Novotel Hotel, Milan Malpensa, shortly after 08.30 am.

As it is day 1, there are frequent stops and the pace is gentle, allowing us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way north out of the city and enter the quiet of the countryside.

The morning ride is sometimes described as hilly, we’ll be honest, it is, but this is the toughest section of the whole ride. After regular stops to recharge, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch.

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Verviers, the route is up and down. Our snack stops will keep you going, and upon arrival in Arona, we’ll check into our hotel.

After a bit of time to freshen up, we will meet for our evening meal, where we will be able to reflect on the fist day of our Italian cycling challenge.

DAY 2 -Locarno to Leco

After a light breakfast to get us ready for day 2 of cycling, we’ll soon be continuing our journey north towards our destination for Day 2, Lake Como.

Cycling starts early, so everyone must have working lights to see whilst riding. There is a short section on the road before we join the cycle path, a flat cycle route.

After several short stops in the morning, we will stop for lunch, having covered just under 55 miles. After lunch, we will be back on the road for the final stretch. Again, there are plenty of snack stations along the beautiful route.

Upon arrival at our hotel, you will have time to relax, freshen up, and reflect on Day 2. Later, we will meet for an evening meal, and you’ll also have the chance to reflect on day 2, before our final day, the ride back to Milan.

Save the celebrations for the final day!

DAY 3 -Como to Milan

By now, your legs may be aching and fatigue may be setting in, so we won’t get you out of bed too early. We’ll gather after a full breakfast and aim to set off by 9.30 am. There are a few hills to conquer on this leg. We go via Bergamo and Cazanna and then have a nice leisurely ride to Milan along the canal.

After a well-earned breakfast and lunch stops, Milan will soon be in our sights. Savor that triumphant feeling as you cycle towards the city where the fizz will flow. You can invite friends and family to join the team cheering you safely into Milan.

On the following day, we will return home. If you are staying longer, let us know as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements for you. (charges may apply.)