2025 CYCLING TOUR PROGRAMME
GRAN FONDO & TOUR OF LOMBARDY
10th-13th OCTOBER 2025
£975 (depending on flight costs)
2017 was the first time for many years that a sportive had run here and it was spectacular. The 2020 event is bound to be very popular. The ‘Race of the falling leaves’ is a monument for the hardy souls coming right at the end of the season routed around the beautiful Lake Como. I have rooms booked in a great hotel in Lake Como, right at the start of the Sportive. I will booked BA flights into Milan and arrange a private transfer. For race day I have arranged a little treat for us too, but it’s a secret until we get there!
Friday
Fly out early Friday to Milan then transfer to our hotel in Como. Set up bikes, gentle spin and dinner in beautiful Lake Como.
Saturday
Pro race day. We’ll be up and out onto the course and watch the pros and then head off a very special bar/cafe I have in mind to watch the finale.
Sunday
Our day for the Sportive. It’s a circuit around the Lake including the most iconic climbs like the Madonna del Ghisallo. It’s a tough day in the saddle to complete the “Race of the falling leaves”.
A late afternoon/evening return home. Price is £845 for the weekend inc flights, transfers, private room, breakfast & sportive entry.
STRADE BIANCHE
NEXT UP IN 2026
My favourite trip which becomes more popular every year. First year my entry number was 39, this year 2905! To guarantee entry and avoid missing out please book early.
SCHEDULE
Friday
Flying into Pisa or Rome, then private transfer to Siena. We have a wonderful private villa for us this year.
Saturday
Watching the Pro race and riding out onto the course before catching the finish in the Palio.
Sunday
Gran Fondo Strade Bianche – awesome!
Monday
Some time in Siena before home for tea and medals (you need to have read the Famous Five to get that reference!).
INCLUDED:
- Bike carriage (subject to airline conditions). Return flight.
- Private double bedroom in 4* hotel right in the heart of Siena.
- All transport. Gran Fondo Strade Bianche entry.
- £875 (depending on flight costs)
NOT INCLUDED:
- Apart from breakfast. All meals out.
- Insurance which you must have in force. An E1.11 or H.I.C. is not sufficient.
- Any programme/event not listed above.
SPAIN TRAINING WEEKEND
9th-12th JANUARY 2025
£850 (depending on flight costs)
I have been running trips here for 15 years now and if anywhere is my second home this is it. The routes and quality of roads are fantastic and the weather record is officially second to none. This is ideal for those training for the Etape, Marmotte etc, or simply wanting some serious training in the Spanish hills with of course the beautiful Spanish sun. These are the winter training roads of most of the pro teams like Quickstep and Astana. The Aitana peak was also the showdown for the 2016 La Vuelta.
Thursday
After taking an early flight to Alicante, we will then be transferred to Hotel Allon in Villajoyosa. After setting up the bikes and food we will be ready for an early afternoon ride. This route will take us up the valley to the scenic Guardalest perched on an outcrop. Continuing the loop round reliving the final mountain stage of the 2016 La Vuelta from Benidorm to Aitana.
Friday
Breakfast at the Hotel Allon with a view to get on bikes by 9am allowing for any bike issues. A ride of approximately 140km/2400m is planned taking in both the summits of Aitana and Colles Des Rates. A dip in the sea followed by an evening at one of the many super local restaurants will be our reward.
Saturday
This the big “Jamon e cafe” ride to Jijona. This has become a tradition over the years. Climbing to Relleu, Busot then onto Jijona to refuel on magnificant Iberico Jamon boccadillos. Then assuming everyone is in good shape we can do the 15km climb up to Alcoi before one last climb and descent over Aitana and back to Villajoyosa.
Sunday
We need to be up early and to have time for a short loop recovery ride around Villajoyosa. Pack up and back home hopefully with very tired legs and a smile!
INCLUDED:
- Return flights with British Airways or Easyjet inc 23kgs allowance. Beachfront 4* bike friendly hotel on shared basis inc B&B.
- Private transfers inc bike carriage.
- Ride briefings with guided route with gpx routes each day.
- My services as your representative.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Insurance
- Carbon bike hire available at extra cost
- Meals outside of the hotel breakfast
*Based on current flight prices and subject to change.
JULIAN COUSINS SPORTS SERVICES
Adult Tennis classes and Junior Tennis Classes in Clapham Common. Extensive weekly and holiday tennis programmes for adults and juniors.
Julian Cousins Sportscamps at Clapham Common offering multi-sports such as tennis, touch rugby, football and cricket during half-terms and holidays for juniors.
Julian Cousins Cycling Tours offer genuinely bespoke tours centred around Pro races and competing in Sportives in Europe with a fun, relaxed itinerary.
Skiing tours to Courmayeur in Italy for all levels and abilities. Canadian qualified ski instructor. Bespoke adventures to the Alps and beyond.
