A brand new tour that takes in a fabulous combination of classic climbs and hidden gems. Starting and finishing just over the border in France, this tour explores a wonderful and spectacular corner of north western Italy. This challenging trip will includes the fabulous climbs of the Colle del Nivolet and Colle delle Finestre.
You’ve probably seen the Nivolet already! The last scenes of the original Italian Job movie were filmed there, with Michael Caine battling to stop the gold filled bus tipping over the edge. We’ll ride up it without being weighed down by gold and enjoy one of the most stunning and panoramic climbs in the Alps.
The Finestre was where Chris Froome famously attacked to seal victory in the 2018 Giro d’Italia. A dramatic and beautiful climb that will feature again in the 2025 edition of the Giro d’Italia. It’s iconic final 7kms of gravel provide a tough and scenic challenge.
These two climbs will be just two of many amazing climbs that riders can look forward to on this trip that explores this wonderful part of the Alps.
The Italian Job schedule
Saturday June 7
Collection of riders from Geneva Airport and transport to our start town of Bourg Saint Maurice (see Travel Information below for information on flight times and collection)
Make up bikes and then a gentle warm up ride
Sunday June 8
Bourg St Maurice – Aosta
We’ll scale the long and scenic climb of the Col du Petit St Bernard where we’ll cross the border into Italy. The afternoon will see us climb up to Verrogne before descending to our accommodation near Aosta
110 kms, 2500m climbing.
Monday June 9
Aosta – Ivrea
Two great climbs today, Col Saint Pantaleon with it’s views of the Matterhorn, followed by the Col de Joux
120 kms, 2400m climbing
Tuesday June 10
Ivrea – Locana
The Colle del Nivolet is the main objective today, a stunning and long climb that culminates at 2612m. It’s a wild and beautiful place and we’ll look for more success than Michael Caine managed in the precarious bus scene at the end of the Italian Job movie. If there’s energy left in the legs there will also be an option to do the challenging climb to Lago di Teleccio too.
120 kms, 2700m climbing
Wednesday June 11
Locana – Susa
A pretty day of riding with the highlight being the Colle de Lis. A relatively humble amount of climbing today but rest assured there will be extra options on the way for those needing more challenge!
110kms, 1600m climbing
Thursday June 12
Susa – Susa
Today we ride the fabulous Colle delle Finestre. 19kms long, the first 12kms rises through numerous hairpins through the forest before we reach the famous and spectacular final 7km of gravel. Back to the tarmac for a fast descent down the other side followed by the climb to Sestriere. We finish the day with a fast ride back to Susa.
110kms , 2700m climbing
Friday June 13
Susa – Bourg St Maurice
Two massive climbs today as we make our way back to France. The Col du Mont Cenis offers spectacular views at the top as we cross the border. Then we tackle the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps. A fast and exhilarating descent to Bourg St Maurice and our journey is complete!
110kms, 2750m climbing
Saturday June 14
Return transfers to Geneva.
Who will enjoy this trip?
This trip will involve considerable distances and altitude gains, 100-120 kilometres each day and an average of 2500m of climbing each day. Riders should be prepared for long days in the saddle, 5-6 hours. For strong riders there will be extra ride options to standard routes should riders be looking for more distance or elevation in their day.
As with all our tours, please contact us to discuss if your riding level will be suitable to enjoy this trip.
What we include
- 7 nights of accommodation in a combination of 3/4 star hotels and traditional agriturismos.
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners.
- Full vehicle support for each of the 6 riding days offering mechanical support and onward transport of luggage.
- Guiding by a qualified coach on all 6 riding days.
- Transfers to and from Geneva airport.
- Energy drinks, pastries, and bananas are available at all times from the support vehicle.
What we don’t include
- Travel insurance.
- Lunches.
- Fights to and from Geneva
Travel information
Flights for this trip should ideally arrive into Geneva Airport at lunchtime or earlier on Saturday June 7. Departing flights should be at 12.00 or later on Saturday June 14.
Please let us know before booking any flights so that we can confirm their suitability.
We can sometimes accommodate flights outside the recommended times, again, please contact us before booking flights.
Please contact us to find out more or to make a booking.