Cycling Fusion Selects Ciclismo Classico To Be Tour Group Leader for 2010 Giretto

    LOWER BURRELL, PA, November 27, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With Lance's first running of the Giro d'Italia in 2009, Cycling Fusion launched a Livestrong grass roots event to raise $10,000 for the foundation, and prove that Indoor Cycling, when done correctly, was powerful enough training to prepare riders to ride at very elite levels. The format of the ride was that each morning the charity riders would leave 3 to 4 hrs ahead of the pros, riding the same exact route as the stage for that day, and attempting to get to the finish line before the pros arrived (actually, before the caravan of sponsors that typically arrive 1 hr ahead of the riders). They succeeded in winning with their handicap only 1 time. Yes, the pros are that fast. As they were caught, they would pull off until the last group went by, and then finish the stage behind them.

While the journey was not without its bumps and bruises (one rider was diagnosed with cancer just before departure), it was by all accounts highly successful. Not only did they hit their financial goal despite it being their first year, but it was such good preparation for the upcoming race season where one of the co-founders, Nina Wilczek found the podium after every race she entered that season.

While the founder Gene (Gino) Nacey had ridden many times in Italy, including a solo trip from Venice to Rome, the logistics of putting in over 100 miles per day, getting to the next departure city in time for massage, meal and sleep was as challenging as the riding.

"It was pretty nerve wracking to say the least. We did as much preparation both in training and in the logistics that I have ever done for an "Epic ride", but still there were so many details to account for. It seemed that we were constantly improvising. That's not a bad thing when you have a handful of people, but this year we knew we would have more riders, and we wanted a little less challenge on the logistics side. Ciclismo has always impressed me with how well organized they were in my previous 5 trips with them, and how knowledgeable their guides are. I knew we needed a company with that kind of depth and experience to lock arms with us." Said Gene Nacey, Founder of the Giretto d'Italia

This years stages however, will be even harder than last year. Last year the group was prevented from doing the first time trial since was on an island, and they prohibited bikes from coming onto the island on the day of the race. The group instead did the next 4 consecutive stages of about 100 miles each day, with a total of over 16,000 feet of climbing. They are calling 2010 the year of the climber, and as such, there will be more challenge ahead for both the pros and the riders making their mark for Livestrong. This year the Giretto will cover 5 stages, for a total of 575 miles, and over 31,000 feet of climbing. Yikes!

Consequently, we will be allowing teams to enter the event this year. This will still require extensive training since that still means riders will do almost the same climbing as last year but with slightly fewer miles. Nevertheless, we expect the more serious competitors will still want to test themselves with doing 5 complete stages of one of the Grand Tours of cycling.

Ciclismo Classico is the perfect choice to lead this group. They pride themselves on being one of the few outfitters of fully-supported bicycle vacations led by expert native guides in Italy.

"I always love an original idea and if the idea tries to make the world a better place, then I'm sold! Gino's dedication and passion was contagious. How could I say no?  We have been offering Follow the Giro tours for years, but I liked the "spin" of the Giretto, and the Cycling Fusion manifesto: 'the sport of cycling - in all its forms - benefits from higher participation.' I could not agree more." Said Lauren Hefferon, Founder of Ciclismo Classico

The Giretto team will be looking for sponsors and donors to help them achieve their goals again in 2010. They are also recruiting riders with long distance or amateur competetitive experience with road cycling. Interested parties should contact Gene Nacey at [email protected] or visit the Cycling Fusion's website for more details.

About Cycling Fusion

Cycling Fusion is a company dedicated to bringing the best of indoor and outdoor cycling together. By promoting changes to the indoor cycling environment and teaching techniques, Cycling Fusion aims to bring more outdoor cyclists inside to train, and more indoor cyclists outside to experience the joys and adventures of riding outside. Cycling Fusion is also the founding company of the Giretto d'Italia, a multi-stage elite level charity ride in Italy to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo  Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and, delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest. For more information about Ciclismo Classico, visit www.ciclismoclassico.com.

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