Strade Bianche

VIP&Hospitality options available

2019 Strade Bianche Gran Fondo & Pro race

Saturday 9 & Sunday March 10, 2019

Duration: Weekend Distance: Various

Stay with us in a beautiful Tuscany to ride and watch on the white gravel roads of Tuscany. The perfect chance for cycling fans to explore the beauty of Siena in Tuscany while watching some incredible cycling. Airport transfers, mechanical and vehicle support, guided rides, 3 star hotel in the centre of Siena are all included with your weekend travel package to the 2019 Strade Bianche Gran Fondo and Pro race weekend.

DETAILS
The Strade Bianche is one of the most popular cycle races on the circuit with its unique character and fantastic location in and around Siena in Tuscany, Italy. Even though the race has only been taking place in the last 10 years, it attracts a lot of attention and was added as a UCI World Tour event in 2017.

This weekend trip offers you the opportunity to ride your bike with us on the Saturday to watch the 2019 Strade Bianche and to then cycle the 2019 Gran Fondo Strade Bianche on the Sunday.

Our team and custom vehicles

Supporting you on the ground will be our Spring Classics team led by pro team experienced mechanic Roy Pearson and all-rounder Darrel Glover. Between them they have worked across Europe looking after cyclists. Their experience and customer feedback are second to none and they will ensure that you have a great time at the classics. We operate a fleet of specially equipped cycling support vehicles with box trailers for luggage and bike racks on the roof. See below the lads with Johan Museeuw atop the Muur van Geraardsbergen and one of our groups on tour.

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

Prices:

£429 based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room, £110 supplement for the sole occupancy of a room

What’s Included:
- A safe pair of hands – More information
- Airport transfers from Pisa airport
- Guided rides and mechanical assistance
- 3 nights at 3 star Hotel Italia Siena
- 3 breakfasts at convenient times for the events
- All hotel taxes
- The services of our Sports Tours International staff
- Bike storage at the hotel is allowed in your room
- A Sportful GF Strade Bianche Bodyfit Pro Classics Jersey
- Official race kit (exact details TBC)
- If you book your Gran Fondo entry with us we will have it ready for you at the hotel
Also available:
- To take part in the Gran Fondo, you need to provide a medical certificate. Download the 2019 Strade Bianche medical certificate here and get it signed by your doctor. Alternatively use our online medical certification service – More information here
- Entry into the 2019 Strade Bianche Gran Fondo in pen 1001 to 2000 available at £70 (includes the €15 day license)
- Wilier Bike rental available from £140 – More information here
- Get 10 % discount with code ‘Sportstours10’ on SHERPR bike shipping service – Prices and book here
- Sports travel insurance – please visit our insurance page
- 2019 Strade Bianche VIP access and hospitality tickets – More information below
VIP experiences and stage hospitality

Belgian rider Tiesj Benoot (pronounce Teesh Bunoat) of Lotto Soudal came of age and notched up his biggest victory to date by winning the 2018 Strade Bianche under difficult circumstances. The superstar Dutch cyclist Anna vd Breggen won the women’s race.

As official tour operator of the 2019 Strade Bianche we are pleased to offer you some fantastic special VIP access options on the day of the Strade Bianche which you can purchase as stand alone tickets without hotel our travel package:
- Start Village (VIP start village access) at £89* per person per stage
- Club Truck finish line hospitality at £140* per person per stage
- A day on the course in an official car (Drive experience) – £900* per person – Available on Request – E-mail us
- Helicopter Experience – £tbc per person – Available on Request – E-mail us
*All taxes included

Please note that this is for a ticket only so no hotel or transport is included. At the time of booking you will receive a booking confirmation. Nearer the time you will receive an itinerary with directions and details of the exact location of the stage start location. Your accreditation badge and wristband will be available for collection from the reception desk at the official start village.

For questions, please contact us on cycling@sportstoursinternational.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 161 703 8161

Read More

The 2019 Strade Bianche: Event Details

Held annually near the city of Siena in the region of Tuscany in Italy, the Strade Bianche was first organised in 2007 and is now held early March as part of the European classics season. It is held as a warm weather precursor to the cobbled classics of the north like the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Liege Bastogne Liege.

The field is usually made up of riders taking part in Tirreno–Adriatico. Considered one of Italy’s finest medieval towns, Siena has much to offer including a range of fine selection of museums and has featured in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. The race starts in San Gimignano and finishes in the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena. The route of the pro race consists of 197 kilometres around the city of Siena, including 45 kilometres of the famous gravel roads which are called sterrati in Italy. The race takes its name from the gravel roads ‘strade bianche’ literally means white gravel roads. The route was inspired by the Tour of Flanders with its bergs (hills), and Paris-Roubaix with its cobblestone sections.

The Elite Men’s course

The main differences with last year’s course are in the first kilometres, where the Bagnaia climb on gravel roads marks its return after the 2014 and 2015 editions. The course will then see a harder white roads sector in the first part and the cancellation of the paved Passo del Rospatoio climb. A twisty and undulating course, with no long climbs but with punchy hills, most significantly on the unpaved parts. There are roughly 62km of gravel roads, appearing in 11 sectors (eight of those shared with the Women Elite course).

The Women’s course

A twisty and undulating course, with no long climbs but with punchy hills, most significantly on the unpaved parts. There are roughly 30km of gravel roads, appearing in eight sectors (all shared with the Men’s course). Final kilometres are the same as the men’s course.

The 2019 Gran Fondo Strade Bianche event details

GRAN FONDO 139.2 KM with 31.4 KM OF GRAVEL ROADS, MEDIO FONDO 86.6 KM with 21.6 KM OF GRAVEL ROADS

The route of the 139km Gran Fondo is the same as the Women’s Elite course. A twisty and undulating course, with no long climbs but with punchy hills, most significantly on the gravel sections. There is about 30km of gravel roads across 8 gravel sectors which will all be done by the Men’s Elite riders as well.

Starting from Siena (Stadium/Medicean Fortress area), the first undulating kilometres are on tarmac before reaching the 2.1km gravel Sector 1 at km 18, which is perfectly straight and slightly downhill. After a few kilometres the riders will face Sector 2 (5.8km) which presents the first real challenge on the course with a short descent and a long climb with sections over 10%. The course will then go through Radi, where Sector 3 starts and immediately after Sector 4 named “La Piana”, one of its classic gravel sectors with no significant gradient and leading to Buonconvento.
After the passage through Buonconvento the feed station will be positioned in the area of Ponte d’Arbia. Soon the route reaches Monteroni d’Arbia, which marks the beginning of Sector 5 of San Martino in Grania (9.5km) in the middle of the Crete Senesi. It’s a long sector with continuous up and downs in the first part, ending up with a twisting climb before meeting the tarmac again.
After Castelnuovo Berardenga there’s a very short, flat section of gravel (300m), before facing, after Monteaperti, Sector 6 which is only 800m long, but with a double digit gradient ramp before rejoining the tarmac in Vico d’Arbia and going to paved road through Pieve a Bozzone. Next comes the penultimate sector (Sector 7, 2.4km) on the climb toward Colle Pinzuto (with inclination up to 15%). After a few kilometres the riders will face the last sector (Sector 8, 1.1km) which features a sequence of a demanding descent followed by a very punchy climb (max 18%) that ends up at the Tolfe. From here only 12km separate the riders from the finish in Piazza del Campo, Siena.

TESTIMONIALS

"Your staff went the extra mile"

I booked at very short notice but the level of customer service was extremely high and your staff went the extra mile. We really enjoyed our day at the Giro and Adreanna, who met us in Benevento, was really friendly and helpful. The whole experience was excellent. Thanks.

N/A - May 25, 2015
ITINERARY
Friday March 8, 2019 – Arrival day

Please make your own way to our hotel in Siena or make use of our airport transfer from Pisa airport to Siena. We will offer an airport transfer at 15.00 to ensure we arrive on time for the evening meal and we have time to get settled in. The transfer to Siena takes about 2 hours. Please note that we will depart the airport at the above time so you have to ensure that your flight arrives before and that you are ready to go by then.

Airport transfers from Florence airport are available on request for groups. Please contact us on cycling@sportstoursinternational.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 161 703 8161

This evening we will assist you with assembling your bikes. If you have rented a bike from us, this will also be available this evening.

Within walking distance there is a wide choice of pizzerias, bistros and restaurants for every taste and pocket.

Saturday March 9, 2019 – 2019 Strade Bianche day

Join us on our 50 to 60km guided ride where we will watch the professionals tackle the course or make use of our VIP access options. Details below.

2019 Strade Bianche VIP and Hospitality options

If you are visiting Siena without a bike then you are in for a treat. Considered one of Italy’s finest medieval towns, Siena has much to offer including ‘Il Campo’, the central piazza, known worldwide for the famous Palio run, a horse race that takes place here twice a year. Siena was featured in the recent James Bond film; Quantum of Solace.

Start Village (VIP start village access)

The 2019 Strade Bianche entourage and organisation will set up with the team buses within an enclosed and restricted area. An expo type village is created at the start. It is usually here that everyone who is linked in any way to the Strade Bianche like TV, sponsors and celebrities from the cycling world will show themselves. Also local companies will be keen to show off their wares. Your VIP passes will give you access to the village and the rider’s paddock. If you are into collecting autographs, this is the best place for it. It is in the Start Village where the athletes assemble in the morning along with sponsors and organisation and management before they set off.

2019 Strade Bianche Start Village in Siena

When you arrive in the start stage town, the Strade Bianche Club staff will welcome you. You will receive a day pass which gives you access to the Hospitality Area with snack/coffee bar service available. You will meet the riders and experience the exciting pre-race atmosphere. The highlight of the day is that you will get up close with the riders and you can mingle with the racers and team directors and other people close to the inner world of cycling. Many people really enjoy the start village access due to the fact that you get very close to actual riders and you get a good insight into the inner workings of the 2019 Strade Bianche.

Club Truck finish line hospitality

The Strade Bianche sets up a limited number of areas located on course within the final portion of the stage for special access called Club Truck. Guests of the Club will arrive at the finish a little before the cyclists, and will have access to the Club Truck, reserved for the top stars and located in a privileged area near the finish line. The Truck will offer snack/coffee bar service, and TV screens will broadcast the final kilometres of the race until the riders come into view. Every guest will receive the exclusive Strade Bianche VIP bag.

A day in an official car (Drive experience)

Our most popular VIP option is to spend the whole day on the course during the event. You will meet your driver at the start village and drive the course in front of the caravan. A packed lunch is included on the way and at the stage finish you will enjoy finish hospitality in the finish hospitality bus.

Your day in the car will include:
- A seat in a VIP car on the race course
- A maximum of 3 passengers
- A welcome from the Club staff
- Accreditation and assignment of a daily pass
- Access to the hospitality area at the start
- A packed lunch
- Access to the Club Truck at the finish with snacks and coffee bar service and TV screens
Please note that this is for a ticket only so no hotel or transport is included. At the time of booking you will receive a booking confirmation. Nearer the time you will receive an itinerary with directions and details of the exact location of the stage start location. Your accreditation badge and wristband will be available for collection from the reception desk at the official start village.

For questions, please contact us on cycling@sportstoursinternational.co.uk or call us on +44 161 703 8161

Sunday March 10, 2019 Gran Fondo Strade Bianche

Today’s Gran Fondo Strade Bianche offers 2 routes both with departure and finish line in Siena within easy riding distance of our hotel. The long route is the same as the Women elite race.
The short route Gran Fondo is the same up until to Murlo, where you take a right with a dirt road sector and a descent to Monteroni d’Arbia. The final kilometers are the same for both routes.

Monday March 11, 2019 – Departure day

Today we will provide airport transfers from Siena back to Pisa airport. It takes about 2 hours so we will depart Siena at 10.00 for flights that depart at 14.00 or later.
HOTELS & PRICING
Hotel Italia Siena

The Hotel Italia Siena is an ideal hotel for the 2019 Strade Bianche. The hotel makes you feel at home without missing out the professional service of a large hotel. 300 meter...
Strade Bianche Hotels
Hotel Italia Siena

The Hotel Italia Siena is an ideal hotel for the 2019 Strade Bianche. The hotel makes you feel at home without missing out the professional service of a large hotel. 300 meters from the pedestrian centre, completely renovated, parking, 65 “comfort inclusive” rooms, with Sky Vision and free Hi-Fi Wi-Fi. Hotel Italia has 65 rooms of different type and style. You will be staying in one of the superior rooms.

Ours is not just a breakfast, but a “good morning” in style to give you the energy and good spirits you deserve. Discover the surprises of the Italia Grand Buffet, which offers sweet and savoury delicacies, treats for those with a sweet tooth, and gluten-free and vegan products. Brand new: the pancake making machine! In addition, our cakes and cookies are all hand-made by our pastry chef.

The hotel has a free closed bike store but bikes are also allowed to be stored inside the rooms. On Gran Fondo day there will be an 06.00am breakfast with white Pasta and Parmesan added to the normal buffet. Within walking distance there is a wide choice of pizzerias, bistros and restaurants for every taste and pocket or it’s also possible to serve the dinner in the restaurant of the 4 star hotel, Garden, 600 meters far away.

In the morning we offer our guests a rich buffet breakfast with a choice of hot and cold drinks, juice, croissants, pastries handmade by our pastry chef, biscuits, yogurt and fruit, cereals, muesli, puffed rice, bread, toast, fresh fruit, jam, butter, Nutella, scrambled eggs and sausages/bacon, cheese and cold cuts and for the sweet tooth guests a chocolate fondue!

Gluten free and vegan products also available.

Extras

En Suite Bathrooms

Air-Conditioning

Minibar

Safe

free Wi-Fi

Satellite Channels in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German and free Sky channels

Non Smoking
IMPORTANT INFO

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

Strade Bianche Gran Fondo entry requirements

This amateur event is open to all foreign amateur cyclists with their regular 2019 cycling federation membership card. For those amateur cyclists who do not have a racing license from their national cycling federation a € 15,00 one-day F.C.I. card will be issued. This covers the insurance for ‘third-party liability’ during the event. For this card to be issued the participants need to submit a sports medical certificate. 17 and 18 year-olds and people older than 64 can only take part in the Medio Fondo Course.

Sports Travel – Keeping safe

For some tips on how to stay safe whilst you travel, please have a look here

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for Italy, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.
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