Tour de France 2011

This year we have a bumper year for cycling fans.  Not only do we have two stages of the Tour de France with a stage finish at Pinerolo followed the next morning with a start again at Pinerolo but also we have been honored with the opening stage of the Giro at Veneria Reale and then the penultimate stage at the end of May with the Colle delle Finestra. 

Our B&B is well centred to offer a cycling experience second to none.  We will be running trips for all these events so that you can visit the stages as well as ride some of the other famous climbs here in the Alps.  Places are limited and we require riders to be of a competent level of fitness for these climbs.  The trips include a qualified guide, transport as well as transfers to and from Turin.  With hearty half board accommodation there will also be the opportunity to sample the delights of many of the local bars and cafes in the area.

To reserve your place or for more information  drop us a line
info@belvederebedandbreakfast.com

Giro comes to Fenestrelle

Giro d'Italia 09 Cuneo Pinerolo at Fenestrelle
Originally uploaded by Hannibal Cycle tours / Belvedere B&B

I am fortunate that I live in an area where the Giro and Tour visit regularly. Maybe that is why I run a cycle holiday company. It may have something to do with the fact that I love cycling as well?

This Tuesday saw the longest stage of the Giro d'Italia pass right through our town of Fenestrelle and we wrer in the right place to get some fantastic photos. The stage saw an epic battle between the top riders with Di Luca coming out on top. Lance was doing OK but should have been up at the front on this stage. The course also hosted the Cima Coppi of this years Giro at Sestriere. Only a paltry 2035m above sea level. However, the 260km stage certainly took its toll with the last riders passing through Fenestrelle a good twenty five minutes after the leaders.

I think that baring anything serious then the trophy for the Giro will have Danilo Di Luca's name on it in Rome.
Pinerolo saw the finish and the coverage on the TV certainly seemed to be a good advert for Val Chisone. It looked so good I want to go and visit!

Petacchi can climb but Cavendish can't!

Today's stage saw Cavendish loose the Maglia Rosa Not because Petacchi beat him in the sprint but because he was beaten by the final climb. A great shame but hopefully Cavendish will take this on board and do some work to improve his climbing skills.
It should not be forgotten however thathe not only won the maglia rosa but managed to hold on to it for two days. This is a fantastic achievement for a Brit and I am sure that we will be seeing his name as a stage winner again over the next three weeks.
My money is on Lance Armstrong for stage 10 Cuneo to Pinerolo May 19th. Here he has the opportunity to really show us his climbing ability on a climb that he knows very well. The climb to Sestriere where in 99 he beat Marco Pantani on his home ground in the Tour de France. This time however he will not be stopping at the top but descending all the way to Pinerolo via a "little" cat 2 climb at Pra Martino.
I am sure this stage will go down in history. You too can come and ride this route. Just book a holiday with Hannibal Cycle Tours and this and many other great cols could be on your "Done" list