'GRAN FONDO CONTADOR'
- Dates: 21 - 27 May 2012
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Beginner + / Intermediate cycling level
- Entry to the 150km Gran Fondo 'Alberto Contador' cycling event
- Flamenco performance in Madrid
- Single Room Supplement: $AUS 375
Come and discover the training ground used by Alberto Contador (La Vuelta, Giro de Italia & Tour de France champion) while enjoying all the benefits of this Spanish cycling tour.
Many local cyclists to Madrid, recreational and professional, know that just to the north of the capital lie several Category 1 and 2 mountain climbs on scenic roads with only minor traffic. After a few days of cycling through central Spain you will realise why this region is so well liked. The routes provide a great combination of mountainous rides, flatter terrain, small and well paved roads and interesting and constantly changing landscapes.
Our Spanish cycling routes also link with famous towns and cities, such as, Pedraza, Segovia, Avila, Toledo and Madrid where we will stay in delightful hotels. Here you will have time to discover medieval villages, 1st Century Roman aqueducts and beautiful monasteries.
The tour also takes advantage of the Gran Fondo ride ‘Marcha Cicloturista Alberto Contador’ which sees Alberto return to his home-town of Pinto to participate. Here you get the chance to ride side-by-side as he guides you 150km along the roads which he used during his formative years.
- Entry to the 2012 Gran Fondo ‘Alberto Contador’ – 150km
- Cycle through Medieval Towns & past historical Roman sites
- Cultural visits to Segovia, Toledo & Madrid
- Excellent variety of cycling routes from flat to mountainous terrain
Day 1 - Madrid – 65km
The tour begins with a morning pick-up from central Madrid and a 1hr drive north of the capital. We will check-in to our hotel, get you fitted to your bikes and run through an initial tour briefing. During the afternoon we will get you cycling on a circuit which is sure to get you prepared for the week ahead. This route includes a good mix of flat and short/medium pinches ideal for stretching out the legs.
Note: If you would like us to organise additional accommodation in Madrid before the tour begins we will be only more than happy to assist.
Sleep: Soto del Real
Meals: Dinner with beer & wine provided
Day 2 - Guadarrama Mountains – 100km
Today the opportunity exists to take on two excellent mountain passes which are used regularly by the local Madrileño cyclists. The Morcuera Pass (Category 1/2 rated) is approximately 13km long and rises steadily at an average grade of 5% and is the perfect way to start the cycling day. Make sure you enjoy the descent down through the Lozoya Valley because next on the agenda will be the Navafria Pass. This is another favourite Category 1/2 climb in the region and will give your legs an additional 600m of elevation gain. 
Click here for full climb details
Note: Since 1980 the Morcuera Pass and Navafria Pass have been used in La Vuelta a Espana on 21 and 8 occasions respectively!
Sleep: Segovia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch provided
Day 3 - San Lorenzo de el Escorial – 80km
The cycling begins as we leave Segovia and cycle towards the small town of San Lorenzo de el Escorial. The main goal for today is the Category 1 climb 'Navacerrada' which requires 20km of constant effort at an average grade of 5%. The ride to the top is well worth it as the downhill to El Escorial is fast! For those who would like to set themselves an additional challenge we will visit San Lorenzo which during 2011 was the finishing town of Stage 8 of La Vuelta a Espana. The finish line in San Lorenzo has a 28% ramp and you are welcome to give it a go! 
Click here for full climb details
Note: Since 1980 ‘Navacerrada’ has been used in La Vuelt a Espana on 23 occasions!
Sleep: El Escorial
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner with beer & wine provided
Day 4 - El Escorial - 75km
After breakfast we will jump on the bikes and ride to El Escorial to catch a glimpse of the impressive and famous monastery building built during the Renaisance period. There are no big mountain passes today but we will put you through a typical Spanish 'rompe piernas' (breaking legs) session! The terrain around El Escorial is undulating and in many ways can be more demanding than the high mountains. During the afternoon we will drive to Toledo which sits 100m high above the River Tagus and forms a natural moat around the town.
Sleep: Toledo
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch provided
Day 5 – Pinto – 75km
Day 6 - Gran Fondo Alberto Contador - 150km
Alberto Contador returns to his hometown Pinto to take part in what will be a great day’s cycling for everyone involved. Here you will have the chance to ride shoulder to shoulder with Alberto as his takes his time to talk and cycle with his fans along the course. Finish by getting a photo and a signature with Alberto as he makes himself available after the awards ceremony.
During the evening we will enjoy a Flamenco show back in Madrid.
Sleep: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Madrid
Unfortunately following breakfast the tour officially comes to an end. We trust you have enjoyed cycling within the Madrid region.
Meals: Breakfast
IMPORTANT
In order to secure your booking a 20% tour deposit is required.
All prices are per person and are land-based only, including double occupancy (i.e. two sharing a room). Cash and direct deposit payments do not attract a fee. Visa/Mastercard payments incur a 2% fee and Amercian Express a 3% fee.
Contact Paul on (03) 9016 9830 / 0412 711 200
International Dialling: Australia + 61 3 9016 9830
+ 61 412 711 200
Spain +34 649 813 360
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