| 16th GiroSardegna (from 22 to 28 April 2012) | ||||||
| Information | Hotel | Travelling | Program | Prices | Rules | Form |
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What is the "Giro"? - The Giro is a stage race modelled on the great professional races but with one substantive difference: EVERYONE, at the end of a week, feels like a winner! Every day there are two different races; at the finish of each stage we make a double classification of the day's race (for the "Grangiro" (Big Race) and the "Mediogiro" (Medium Race); the times of the stages are summed to make the absolute general classification and the classification for each of the age groups. The secret of the great success of the Giro is very simple: everyone quickly learns the race number and the face of "his" competitors; from that moment the others count for little and for the whole week each person races to overtake that cyclist who beat him on the day before while avoiding being dropped by those he left behind by a few seconds!!! And this is why those who arrive at the finish line even an hour after the winners study the classification with such interest! As well as the cycling event, then there is the beauty of the place (Sardinia in Springtime is a riot of colours and smells!), the high quality of the chosen hotels and the "climate" which we always manage to create amongst the participants. For a week you stay in the same hotel but you ride on different roads so getting to know in some depth an area of this splendid island before moving on to another area the following year. Also there are the "comfortable" start times, the roads with their perfect asphalt surfaces, the picture-postcard scenery; these are the elements which, together, have made the Giro an event without an equal in the world with great organisation and just the right philosophy! What is the "Tour"? - The "Tour" was invented to allow those who want to ride in a more relaxed manner. The Tour has the following principal characteristics:
This is an experiment we are doing in 2012 for the first time in the history of the Giro: the "GiroBreve", which means "Short Giro" In past years, it has often happened that we have been contacted by cyclists who cannot do the whole week because they are busy with compulsory regional or national circuit granfondo races; or because they do not have enough holidays; or simply don't have the time or the money. These have asked if it is possible to participate only in one part of the event or in specific stages. Taking advantage of the fact that 25th April next year, which is an Italian holiday, falls in the middle of the week, we have programmed a second Granfondo giving the possibility to participate in only 4 of the 7 stages which make up our event. So it is enough to stay for only 3 nights in Cala Ginepro to sample the "GiroBreve" and this will be a saving both in financial terms and in holidays: it will be enough to take the bridging days between the Sunday 22nd and the holiday on the 25th or between that and Sunday 29th! For those subscribed to the "Giro Breve", they will not participate in the general classification of the GiroSardegna but only in the daily classification and in the classification specific to each GiroBreve for which, at the end of the 4 days, we will hold a prize-giving for the 1st/2nd/3rd absolute winners of each of the two races (the final prize-giving will only be held if the number in each race is over 10). Naturally there is hardly any need to explain the names we have chosen for the races: the "GiroBreve-Smeraldo" allowing participation in the first 4 "seaside" stages (the "Granfondo Smeralda" on the 22nd; the individual time trial of the 23rd; the third stage on the 24th and the "Granfondo Sardegna" on the 25th) the "GiroBreve-Muflone" allowing participation in the last 4 "mountain" stages (the "Granfondo Sardegna" on the 25th; the team time trial on the 26th; the sixth stage Nuoro/Orgosolo and the seventh stage on the 28th). The Giro for partners! Again in 2012 there will be plenty of scope for the partners of cyclists to have a very special holiday. On the first day in Sardinia the non-cyclist can go, at their leisure, to see the Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo or they can stay at Golfo Aranci discovering the beautiful seaside area by making a panoramic walk even as far as the top of Capo Figari (342 m asl.) from where Guglielmo Marconi perfected his discoveries. Then you can transfer to Cala Ginepro, the ideal location for a relaxed holiday! Long walks on the beach or in the pine woods by the sea; relaxed days by the pool; visits to the new wellness centres of the "Cala Ginepro Hotels" (sauna, covered swimming pool, hammam, Kneippe treatments, cave salts treatment, "elioterapia", etc.); long dives into a picture-postcard setting; carefree days in a good hotel with great cooking! For those of you who want something different, you will find endless interesting things to see or do going into the natural environment which offers trekking which is not too hard (the "Gola di Gorroppu", the prehistoric village of Tiscali, the "Su Gologone" springs, the Supramonte di Orgosolo, etc), visits to the various archeaological sites which are to be found throughout the area, the reality of the life in the small villages whose names, sadly, you have seen in the news in the past (Orgosolo, Bitti, Orune, Lula, etc) and an infinite number of possibilities for savouring the coast very famous for its wild beauty which contains many of the most beautiful places in the whole Mediterranean reachable only from the sea by boat from Cala Gonone (cave of Bue Marino, Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzè, Cala Sisine): from Cala Gonone to S.Maria Navarrese there are over 30 unforgettable kilometres of rocks and beaches which you can visit by boat …. Possibly on a sunny day with a calm sea! And then it is quite likely that the ladies will follow their cycling partners in their inspection of the routes of the race: this alone is enough to submerge yourself fully in the two very different worlds which you can live in in 2012, that of the rich and opulent of the villas of the VIPs in Costa Smeralda and that of the poor and proud in the villages of the shepherds! In any case, be always sure that at the GiroSardegna the partners are never alone! Cala Ginepro will be completely "ours" and in our three hotels there will be the friendly atmosphere which only the GiroSardegna manages to create: as usual, it will be impossible to leave without exchanging phone numbers with dozens of people! The Organisers of the Giro 2012
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HOTELS OF THE GIRO 2012 (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)In all three hotels we have arranged full board, including drinks with the meals.Initially we had planned to have the Giro in another part of the island but we gave it up because we did not find arrangements up to our usual standards: therefore we decided to return to Orosei (we have missing it for quite a few years) where the routes are great and there is a guaranteed high quality of accommodation and food. We want to offer you the best: look at the web sites of the hotels and you will understand our choice! We (and many of you!) know these hotels very well because you have been there in the past: there are three, all medium sized, all re-modernised recently and close by each other and they are of a quality well above the 4 stars that they have gained. So in April, we will form one huge club of over 562 hotel rooms! There is also a campsite for those who want to save money and stay in a tent and there are plenty of spaces of you want to come in a camper van! Given this situation, we will not have a true "nerve centre" and the organisers will use the services and spaces according to our needs (the prize-giving will be held at the Torre Moresca because they have a big meeting room; timing and judging will be at the Cala Ginepro which has suitable rooms; the mechanical support will be in an intermediate space; etc) and everyone can utilise the new wellness centre at "Cala Ginepro" (sauna, covered pool, kneippe treatments, hammam, salt cave water therapy , etc); and we will probably also have babysitting for kids of two years and upwards. Bikes can be taken to the rooms … with due care and attention! If you want to stay in a specific hotel or in a room near your friends, indicate on the booking form checking the things you want and the name of your group: we will give preference in the date order that bookings are received. ATTENTION: to occupy a suite or a two-room place in the hotel you have to send a supplement of 100 euro per each suite/two-room and this is independent of the number of people who will occupy the room or the number of days they will stay. Hotel Club Cala Ginepro****(www.calaginepro.com) - 162 rooms whose basic costs are: hotel price
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TRAVEL to/from SARDINIA and TRANSFERS for the various stages (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)Boats: in 2011 going to Sardinia was more costly than usual (it was Easter and there was a marked increase in ferry prices!) but now the situation is evolving and a new Sard shipping company has been founded who are trying to cut the prices. We usually find an agreement with Sardinia Ferries (who have ferries from Livorno and Civitavecchia for Golfo Aranci), but at the moment it is too early to talk about this: you will find updates on our web site Airplane: the airport of Olbia is served by planes from all over Italy and also from abroad; but in the days of low-cost flights, you may also arrive at Cagliari or Alghero. It is up to you to arrange your flights and we will give support as far as possible for transfers from the hotels and vice versa. | |||||||||||||||||||||
IMPORTANT INFORMATION (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)EVERYONE KNOWS BUT … IT'S BEST TO BE REMINDED!!! - this year we have increased the race fee but it is still very low (7 races for only 150 Euros for men and 100 for women) and also the hotel prices are, as usual, fixed well below the usual for Sardinia. This "miracle" is possible thanks to the large number of participants which allows us to get good prices from the hotels but also, and above all, becauseALL OF THE ORGANISERS ARE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK FREE FOR YOU. Remember this before you yell at someone at a feeding stop if you find that something's not quite perfect! Remember that our reward is limited to the "grazie" and a smile that, fortunately, many participants give us every day! THE ROADS - have been chosen carefully for their beauty and the perfect tarmac but above all we start with the cyclists' safety in mind! The routes have well-visible signs and the most important junctions have policemen and staff manning them. Bear in mind that in Sardinia the cars are few and far between and sometimes you don't see any! Cyclists, though, should be careful since the roads are open to traffic, they are not closed. Avoid dangerous behaviour for you own and others' safety. Team cars will be authorised on request. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE- During the race there's the race doctor and at least two ambulances; other ambulances are on standby depending on the nature of the course. Cyclists should carry with them mobile phones to contact, if needed, and if necessary, the medical assistance or broom wagon whose numbers are found on the little card contained in the race pack. MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE - for pre- and post-race assistance there will be a fixed site at Cala Ginepro and we will have help set up at the first feed stop of every stage. We have not yet confirmed how we will provide race help because over previous years we have realised that the "wheel change" was useful only for the first racers …but at the GiroSardegna for us those who compete for the 300th position have the same importance! CATEGORIES - various race authorities have very different age categories; after a long reflection and a careful study of the entrants of previous years to the Giro, we have decided to retain the age categories used as International criteria as defined by the F.C.I. (5 years) but adapting it at the Giro to have a similar number in each group. The following therefore are the categories in which EVERYONE of the cyclists in the race will be put; it will not be based on particular denominations which exist in other events (Gold, Sportman, Gentleman, etc) and/or limits adopted by the other authorities . The male categories therefore will be the following:
SEPARATE STARTS - it is important that each cyclist states, when entering, whether they wish to participate in the "MedioGiro" (average routes) or the "GranGiro" (long routes) because at the GiroSardegna we ALWAYS make separate starts! Every day, in the roads around Cala Ginepro you will form a starting grid for the MedioGiro and one for the GranGiro. No precedence or preference for men/women, first/last: those who get into the grid first will be at the front and the others will be behind them! ROUTES AND DIFFICULTY - in this area of Sardinia there is only "Sard flat stages"; they are short ups and downs which you can do in a moment but ….they stay in your legs! The climbs are all possible to pedal and never so difficult! The next Giro will probably be won by a someone who goes well on the flat as well as in the climb and who is not afraid of going for a sprint from the back even in an easy stage! TIMING BY WINNING TIME- once again Winning Time will do the race timing; if you have a chip from this company you need to renew it at the start of 2012 directly on their web site and then, when you get your race number, you can start without anything else; on the other hand, for those who do not have a chip, you need to ask for one when you get the race pack and you will keep it for the whole week of the race. CLASSIFICATIONS,JERSEYS AND PRIZES - Each evening at 18.30 there will be a short briefing to present the stage for the following day and to award the prizes to the day's stage winners. The stage winners get, as usual, the glory of the win and symbolic prizes while the most valuable prizes are awarded by lottery, so everyone can win one (or more!). Each day the leaders of the GC (first man and first woman) don the jerseys donated by ASSOS, the Yellow jersey for the leader of the "GranGiro" and the pink jersey for the "MedioGiro". Each day, the last cyclist of each Giro to arrive at the finish in the maximum time (irrespective of sex) receives the coveted Black Jersey. All jerseys must be worn the following day. At the end of the Giro prizes will be awarded to the first 3 riders of the GC and the first 3 by age category; the leader of each category will receive the final winner's jersey TEAM CLASSIFICATION AND PRIZES- The classification of cycling clubs is done by summing the kilometres pedalled by the cyclists of the same club whether they participate in the Giro or the Tour or the 1000k Sardinia race. By tradition, the group who wins first prize will get a discount of 10% of the designated price of the hotel for the Giro in 2013; to the team in second place, there will be a discount of 6%; to those in third place, there is a substantial prize in the Sard pasta "Malloreddus"; to those in fourth place, a prize in Sard wine. THE FREEBIES - we are still working on what to offer which will please everyone THE POLICE - as usual at the Giro Sardegna, the Polizia Stradale will be present (each day there will be at least two policemen on motorbikes and others in patrol cars following the riders) while the control of crossroads outside towns will be the responsibility of the Carabinieri and the Polizie Municipali will control those crossroads in the few towns that we go through; also, as always, on the route there will be our guardian angels: those fantastic motorcyclists of "Motostaffetta Manfè"! COME WITH YOUR CAR - we advise you to do this! The cost of the ferry will be abundantly repaid by the ease of being able to bring more personal stuff with you and the freedom of managing your free time how you want. THE "TESTIMONIALS" - we are not in the habit of seeking out testimonials, but every year we get some entrants who have a glorious cycling history. Certainly, next year there will be various famous "ex"s in our midst; look around you and you will recognise them. THE PHOTOS - the professional photographers who come to the Giro this year and who also went to the Giro of Germany (www.sportograf.com) had a modern method of working which did not bring them the economic returns which they expected from the crossing to Sardinia! It would really be a shame not to have them again because, without a doubt, they gave the best photo service we ever had and the photos were really beautiful and professional. But there is some hope of seeing their work again because…. Their "boss", taking the photos of the cyclists, fell in love with our event and wants to enter in 2012 but this time AS A CYCLIST! Power to the GiroSardegna!!! | |||||||||||||||||||||
| THE PROGRAM FOR THE GIROSARDEGNA 2012 | |||||
| Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 | Stage 6 | Stage 7 |
| GiroSardegna 2012 | GranGiro | MedioGiro |
| Total : | km 609 | km 479 |
| Overall : | m 8770 | m 6218 |
| Prizes for the GiroSardegna: | The first three overall winners (men/women) of the GranGiro and the MedioGiro and the first three in each age group. | |
Saturday 21 April: arrival at the hotel/departure from LivornoWe advise you to leave on Saturday evening from Livorno/Genoa/Civitavecchia for Olbia or directly for Golfo Aranci (with "Sardinia Ferries"), sleep on the boat then line up at the start of the race on Sunday morning.Those who want to make it as calm as possible can get on the boat from the mainland and sort themselves out in Sardinia during the preceding days: you can take a room in the hotels in Golfo Aranci or go directly to your own hotel at Cala Ginepro (only 70 km or so) from where you can easily get yourself to the start of the first stage on Sunday morning. N.B.- hotel services included in the Giro/Tour price start with the dinner on Sunday evening at Cala Ginepro. Any overnight stay before or after the event must be requested at the time of submitting your entry form, together with the supplement. Race numbers and chips for the race timing will be given to those entered to the Giro, the Tour , the 1000k and the Granfondo starting on Saturday afternoon at Golfo Aranci (from 17.00 to 20.00) or directly at the start of the race on Sunday morning. Sunday 22 April: Golfo Aranci -first stage- "Granfondo Smeralda"- Meeting of the participants at Golfo Aranci.- Race start time MedioGiro/Mediofondo at 10.00 - GranGiro/Granfondo at 10.15; Tour: free start from 09 to 10 - Maximum arrival times: MG by 14.30; GG by 17.00 - Feed stops: MedioGiro 2+finish; GranGiro 3+finish; Tour 1+finish - Prize-giving: directly at the end for the first three overall winners (Men/women) at 16.30 for the first three in age categories both for the Granfondo and for the Mediofondo - - N.B. - the price of participation in the "GF Smeralda" is 20 Euro if entry is made before saturday 14/4, rising to 25 Euro till the afternoon of Saturday 21/4: it is NOT possible to enter on the Sunday morning of the race. Entry includes the "malloreddus pasta party" and a race pack which does not have freebies. Entry is free to the participants in the Giro/Tour. Once again, we will ride the "most beautiful Granfondo in the world" but starting from Golfo Aranci, right beside the ferry terminal. This new location, apart form the fascination of the place itself, allows us to plan a functional and convenient start while maintaining a all the characteristics which has made famous our race under the title "GF Costa Smeralda"(the panoramic ups and downs of the CostaSmeralda, Porto Cervo, the seaside road at Cannigione, the panoramic views at San Pantaleo, the red granite rocks of inland Gallura, etc). Initially when we were planning the 2012 event, we excluded the Granfondo from the general classification of the Giro but so many people asked us to put it back in so we have taken that on board. The "Granfondo Smeralda" is therefore the first stage of the Giro but it is also an independent race and we can have other cyclists who will not do the whole week; so there will be other cyclists from the mainland of Italy who will come just for this race as well as Sard cyclists who will come for this test which is the most important on the Island. Those entered in the GiroSardegna and the GiroBreve Smeraldo will recognise each other from their race numbers which will have the name of the rider and which will have colours to differentiate them; those entered just for the day will have their number on a white background. There will be two separate grids for the start (MedioGiro/Medio Fondo and GranGiro/Granfondo) and two separate starts. At the end of the race there will be a finish feed stop/"malloreddus (sard pasta) party" in the new sports complex at Golfo Aranci. To those from the GiroSardegna who arrive first at the finish we will give the winners race jerseys for the leading man and woman (Yellow Jersey for the GranGiro, Pink Jersey for the Mediogiro. For the last to arrive, there will be the Black Jerseys.) Blue Route-MedioGiro/Mediofondo 109k (total climbing 1330m) Link Google Maps: We start on the beautiful panoramic road on the Gulf of Olbia, and before entering into the city itself, turn towards the Costa Smeralda to sample all its famous spots (Cala di Volpe, Abbiadori, Pevero, Porto Cervo Liscia di Vacca, Poltu Cuatu, Baia Sardinia -where there will be the first feed stop) then all of the beautiful coast road from Cannigione to Palau then turning inland, a narrow but very special road which takes us to Arzachena. We will avoid the town itself by taking the ring road (circonvallazione) at the start of which there is the split of the two routes: the Mediofondo riders turn to the left and ride the whole climb -half way is the second feed stop - climbing up to San Pantaleo from where we skirt Porto Rotondo, and back to the finish line at Golfo Aranci. Red Route-Granfondo 150k (total climbing 1830m) Link Google Maps: The Granfondo riders follow the same route to Arzachena but, at the split, go straight ahead for Bassacutena -where there is the second feed stop-; continue as far as Luogosanto then turn back to the outskirts of Arzachena where we will rejoin the route of the di MedioFondo -and the third feed stop- then climbing up to San Pantaleo and back to the finish line at Golfo Aranci. Green route-Tour about 60k (total climbing about 600m) Link Google Maps: Go directly towards Costa Smeralda (avoiding the "panoramic" road to Olbia) riding therefore on all its famous roads. After the feed stop at Porto Cervo go as far as Baia Sardinia then, instead of turning towards Cannigione, go directly to the last part of the race route before San Pantaleo. In so doing, you follow the same route as the racers to the finish line at Golfo Aranci. |
Monday 23 April - Orosei (Cala Ginepro) -second stage- individual time trial-- Race start times: MedioGiro/GranGiro from 08.00 till 13.00; Tour: free- Feed stops: none (only water at the start) - Prize-giving for the day: at 18.30 in the hotel - the first three overall winners (men/women) of the GranGiro and MedioGiro + raffle prizes amongst those present. The individual time trial was not originally planned for the Giro in 2012 but was added back "due to popular acclaim" after our email was drowned in an avalanche of messages from cyclists who wanted to do it again: notably, these were unexpectedly from those who never compete for the first places! The first to start will be the last from the two general classifications, so the best cyclists will be the last to ride; the start times will be decided by the judges and published the evening before the race; in any case, there will be ample time between each of the starts. - - The road will be completely closed to traffic and the route will be completely devoted to the cyclists in the race. Any unsporting behaviour will be punished by the judges who will take into account "photographic proof" given by the staff along the route. Cyclists will warm up before the race (riding 15km or so) going to the race start. - Single Route (GranGiro/MedioGiro) 20km (total climbing 155m) Link Google Maps: The GranGiro riders should get themselves to the turnoff for Capo Comino to do the ride in the north-south direction (from the "Orientale Sarda" SS125 to Irgoli) while the MedioGiro riders should go to Irgoli and their direction is the opposite, south-north (from da Irgoli to the turnoff for Capo Comino). The race route is a series of long straight stretches tending upwards at the start and then lightly descending towards the end. The cyclists will certainly get up some speed especially those who are lucky enough to have the wind behind them! At the end of the time trial, each cyclist should make their way back to the hotel avoiding riding on the race route. Green Route-Tour about 50km (total climbing about 300m) Choose one of the two directions and do the whole course (approach+race route+return to the hotel): you will be the only ones to do the route in a relaxed way but you will feel totally involved in the event! |
Tuesday 24 April: Orosei (Cala Ginepro) -third stage- (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)- Meet up at Cala Ginepro.- Race start times: MedioGiro at 09.00; GranGiro at 09.15; Tour: free from 08.00 to 09.00 - Maximum arrival times: MG at 13.00; GG at 13.30 - Feed stops: MedioGiro 1; GranGiro 1; Tour none - Prize-giving: at 18.30 in the hotel - the first three overall winners (Men/women) from GranGiro and the MedioGiro + raffle prizes amongst those present - - This is a fast stage with a few short climbs and many long "Sard flat" sections; in the first part, we will cross a couple of villages and then go through roads where only sheep and other animals pass by. Blue Route-MedioGiro 91km (total climbing 865m) Link Google Maps: Leave from the hotel and go through the towns of Orosei and Galtellì; after a first "little climb" you come to the race split. The medio fondo riders turn to the right and go to the corner of the main highway the SS131 -where there is the first feed stop-; go along beside the main highway for about 30 k until you get near Siniscola where you go back onto the "Orientale Sarda" (SS125) which takes you to the finish line: there will be group sprints. Red Route -GranGiro 109km (total climbing 1050m) Link Google Maps: The first 30k are the same as for the medio fondo riders; at the split, go towards Nuoro then take a road which joins two valleys and takes you to the corner for the main highway the SS131 where you join back onto the common route -end the first feed stop-. The shortness of the climbs and the long flat sections will give rise to many small groups which will race to the finish. Green Route-Tour about 40 km (total climbing about 200m) Link Google Maps: Stay on the race route at the start as far as Orosei then go towards the sea following the tourist signs for Caletta di Osalla; go as far as the end of the road (visit the beach if you want to walk about 100m on foot) then come back and see the great beaches of Marina di Orosei and Cala Liberotto (near the hotel). |
Wednesday 25 April: Orosei (Cala Ginepro) -fourth stage- "Granfondo Sardegna"- Meet up at Cala Ginepro.- Race start times: MedioGiro at 09.00; GranGiro at 09.15; Tour: free from 08.00 to 09.00 - Maximum arrival times: MG at 14.00; GG at 17.00 - Feed stops: MedioGiro 2+finish; GranGiro 3+finish; Tour 1+finish - Prize-giving: at 18.00 in the hotel - the first three overall winners (Men/women) and the first three in each age category both for the Granfondo and the Mediofondo - N.B. - the price of participation in the "GF Sardegna" is 20 Euro if entry is made before saturday 14/4, rising to 25 Euro till the morning of the start. The entry includes the "pasta party" and a race pack which does not have freebies. Entry is free to the participants in the Giro/Tour. Race numbers will be given out to those entered just for the day before the start, from 7.30 till 9.00. - - The "Granfondo Sardegna" is the fourth stage of the "GiroSardegna" and cyclists can enter who are not doing the whole week: they will have a race number with a white background. There will be the usual two start grids and, as usual, first the MedioGiro/Mediofondo will go and then the Grangiro/Granfondo; at the end of the race, the Giro entrants who are in the hotel will have their usual meal there while those entered just for the day (and any cyclists who arrive late at the finish) will have a "pasta party" in the assigned space. The two routes have long but pedal-able climbs and there are many long flat sections with an infinite number of short ups and downs: both the routes start and finish at the sea but pass through harsh areas and villages from a remote Sardinia seldom frequented by tourists. Blue Route-MedioGiro/Mediofondo 111km (total climbing 1398m) Link Google Maps: Go through Orosei and Galtellì to get to the corner for the SS131 where the routes split -and the first feed stop-; the medio fondo riders straight away start a long climb (including a short steep descent) which takes you up to 500 m asl at Lula. Immediately after going through the village, there starts an incredible road: 20k of uninterrupted bends, going round the harsh sides of Monte Albo with a constant view of the inland side of this part of the Island; continue slowly to climb to 800 m at the-second feed stop- from where you dive down first to the Cantoniera S.Anna (road workers house) and therefore into a fast technical descent in the full splendour of the panorama of the north-east coast of the island which will take you to the outskirts of Siniscola. Avoid going through the town by turning right for the industrial zone then go on to take the SS125 which will take you back to the finish line at Cala Ginepro. Red Route-GranGiro/Granfondo 160 km (total climbing 2235m) Link Google Maps: The same route as for the medio fondo riders until the route splits -and the first feed stop-; at the junction with the SS131. The I granfondo riders turn to the left and go along beside the main highway for about 10k before tackling a long climb which takes you to the edge of the village of Orune. Then you stay "up high" for many kilometres going first towards Bitti and then towards Lula, but the route suddenly puts you in a long fast descent which takes you right back down to the junction with the SS131 where you rejoin the common route-and the second feed stop- which you will not leave again. Next the same climb as the medio fondo riders for Lula and the same road that goes along Monte Albo -third feed stop- and the same descent to Siniscola. It's hard to imagine that the winner won't come out of a sprint of a large pack of cyclists Green route-Tour: free The race routes are long and hard and the most beautiful parts are far from the hotel so it is hard to suggest this route to anyone not well trained. Go for a free ride, following the signs for the racers as far as the turnoff for the SS131 and to the feed stop then come back tot he hotel crossing through Loculi, Irgoli and Orosei (so you will do an easy 60k or so) or simply go where you want ! |
Thursday 26 April: Siniscola (La Caletta) -fifth stage- team time trial (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)- Race start time: starting from 09.00 onwards;- Feed stops: none (only water at the start and finish) - Prize-giving: at 18.30 in the hotel - the first three teams (Men/women) + raffle prizes amongst those present - - The team time trial was once in the first editions of the Giro a substitute for the rest day; but the time trial has become one of the most spectacular and interesting of the whole event. Even though the impact on the general classification is limited, almost all the cyclists push themselves to the limit in this part which is essentially a fun game. The formation of the teams is absolutely free (looking amongst friends to form a team has become a great way to meet people!) and everyone can try to promote their own team or get themselves onto one already formed independent of the club team that you are in. The teams: each men's team is formed of a maximum of 6 cyclists, each women's team a maximum of 4 cyclists; mixed teams are not allowed. The members of the teams can either be entered in the GranGiro or the Medio Giro; the names of the team members should be communicated to the judges by 16.00 on 25/4. Anyone who does not end up in a team can go to the start all the same: the judges will form teams on the spot. Race times: each of the cyclists in a team which starts will be attributed with the time of the person in the team who comes third at the finish line (for the men's teams) and of the person who is second for the women's teams even if they get left behind from the team or for whatever reason do not reach the finish line. The race times are NOT added to the general classification but are used only to make up the classifications for men's and women's teams. The team members of each team will be given a time bonus on their personal time in the general classification according to the following scheme: Men's teams: 1st team - 1 minute bonus for each rider; 2nd team - 55 seconds; 3rd - 50 sec.; 4th - 45 sec.; 5th - 40 sec.; 6th - 35 sec.; 7th - 30 sec.; 8th - 25 sec.; 9th - 20 sec.; 10th - 15 sec.; 11th - 10 sec.; 12th - 5 sec.. The riders in teams which come in 13th or after will maintain their previous times in the general classification. Any cyclist who, for whatever reason, does not turn up at the start will be penalised by 1 minute. Women's teams: 1st team - 1 minute bonus for each rider; 2nd team - 55 secondi; 3rd - 50 sec.; 4th - 45 sec.; 5th - 40 sec.; 6th - 35 sec. The riders in the team which comes in 7th or after will get a 30 second bonus. Other women cyclists who, for whatever reason, do not turn up at the start, will not get any time bonus. Single Route (GranGiro/MedioGiro) 23km (total climbing 140m) Link Google Maps: You leave the tourist port of La Caletta and ride along the coast briefly before joining the SS 125 going on a route you know well by now because you rode on it in the last part of the preceding stage: 20k or so of "pianura sarda" (Sard flat) which this time you will take very fast down to Cala Ginepro. Teams can try out the lead changeover while they get themselves to the start going along the same route in reverse. Green Route-Tour: free While the racers play at being pro's, you can go and discover the area around Siniscola made up of beaches (La Caletta and S.Lucia), lakes (Lago di Posada) and historic and archaeological sites (the castle at Posada, Feronia, etc) all of them easily reachable by bike. If you really want to test yourself, you can go to do a bit (or even all of) the climb to Cantoniera S.Anna (descended by the racers on the day before): it will be hard but worth it! In any case, arrange the day at your leisure and watch the teams who are going all out! |
Friday 27 April: Nuoro (Monte Ortobene) -sixth stage- (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)- Meet up with other riders at Monte Ortobene (about 50 km from Cala Ginepro. Follow this route: Cala Ginepro, Orosei, SS129, Galtellì, Nuoro, at the entrance to the city continue to climb right to the top of Monte Ortobene).- Race start times: MedioGiro at 09.30; GranGiro at 09.45; Tour: free from 08.30 to 09.30 - Maximum arrival times: MG at 13.30; GG at 14.30 - Feed stops: MedioGiro 1+finish; GranGiro 1+finish; Tour 1+finish - Prize-giving: at 18.30 in the hotel a Cala Ginepro - the first three overall winners (Men/women) from GranGiro and the MedioGiro + raffle prizes amongst those present - - This is the only day that start with a car transfer (on request, the organisers will put on a bus) ! You will confront a stage which demonstrates "from on high" the most beautiful panoramas of the mountains of the shepherds which you will get to using roads that are isolated and free of traffic; you will cross through the famous inland villages (Oliena and Orgosolo) starting and finishing on the top if the Mountain which is unique for its history and ancient traditions. A relatively short stage but very beautiful and hard with a hill finish: it is a continuous alternating climbs (always possible to pedal and gradients in single figures!) and descents which are technical on perfect surfaces on which there will be ample space for doing battle from the first to the last kilometre. At the end of the race, there will be a final feed stop but it is also easily possible to go back to the hotel for lunch; those who want to spend the day visiting Nuoro or who foresee a late arrival at the finish line can ask for a free packed lunch (which substitutes for the lunch in the hotel) but remember to ask at the reception of the hotel on the afternoon of the day before. Blue Route-MedioGiro/Mediofondo 70 km (total climbing 1230m) Link Google Maps: Immediately after the start you go down for about 15 km to Riu di Oliena (River of Oliena) then you reach and go through Oliena to find the road that goes round Monte Corrasi in an infinite series of bends slightly climbing; then a rapid descent takes you to face the climb up to Orgosolo. Go through the village on the main road (you get to admire the many brightly coloured murals which makes these modest houses very appreciated !) then a fast descent takes you back to towards Oliena -first feed stop-; this time you don't go into the village and go to face the final climb. After a couple of kilometres the two routes split: the medio fondo riders go to the left and continue to climb towards Nuoro (where the two routes join up again) and then towards the finish line at Monte Ortobene. Red Route-GranGiro/Granfondo 160 km (total climbing 2235 m) Link Google Maps: The same route as for the medio fondo riders until the split of the routes (descend to Oliena, then Orgosolo, first feed stop, go back to Oliena and then the first two kilometres of the final climb) but at the split of the routes turn to the right in the direction of Orosei, go slightly downhill before facing a stretch of up/down which takes you Ponte (Bridge) Marreri from where you start about 15k which takes you back to the first of the houses of Nuoro (where the routes join again) and then to the finish line at Monte Ortobene. Green Route-Tour: free It is really difficult to advise you on what to see and what to leave out from this stage as there are many interesting things to see. If you want to do the climb, then we advise you to go in your car to the top of Ortobene from where you can descend on the bike following the route of the racers but aviod going to Oliena and , at the route split on the SS129, go and do the last part of the granfondo route (again go in the direction of Orosei as far as the turnoff for Marreri, then up and down to get to the bridge and then the long climb which takes you to the first of the houses in Nuoro and to the finish line at Monte Ortobene where you will find the final feed stop. ): in so doing, you will do at least 50 k but over 1000 m of climbing! If however, you want to do something more picturesque and less difficult, go in your car to Oliena, park at the entrance to the village and then, on the bike, follow the race route which will take you to Orgosolo and then return to Oliena passing the feed stop: you will have done about 40 k and less than 600 m of climbing. |
Saturday 28 April : Orosei (Cala Ginepro) -seventh stage- (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)- Meet up at Cala Ginepro.- Race start times: MedioGiro at 08.30; GranGiro at 8.45; Tour: free from 07.30 to 08.30 - Maximum arrival times: MG at 11.30; GG at 11.45 - Feed stops: MedioGiro / GranGiro only at the finish; Tour at the finish…you have arrived! - Prize-giving: at 16.00 in the hotel - the first three overall winners (Men/women) from GranGiro and the MedioGiro - the final prize-giving of the GiroSardegna + raffle prizes amongst those present - - For the final stage we wanted to redo the finish that we had in the Giro of 2007: a very beautiful road which climbs to the pass at Genna Silana with beautiful seaside scenery at the start and breathtaking panorama onto the famous "Gola di Gorroppu" and the Supramonte of Oliena/Orgosolo in the intermediate and final stages! The finish is on a climb, it is true but …. You do almost all the route with the big 53 ring: you climb in fact 900 metres but over 40k! Congratulate yourselves even if there is a maestral wind that pushed you up! The beauty of the road is really the reason why we pushed in this stage which has only climbing in it: you can descend towards the hotel calmly admiring the splendid scenery - one of the amazing natural beauties of the island - and even ride through the little tunnel which allows you to admire the natural mountain balcony overlooking Cala Gonone! Even though the routes are identical for the granfondo and the mediofondo, the starts will be separate as usual. Single Route (GranGiro/MedioGiro) 55 km (total climbing 1100m) Link Google Maps: The race starts from Cala Ginepro but, in fact, probably the group will stay together until Orosei where the road starts to climb. The final part of the climb is not steep and the road passes along the side of the mountain which faces the sea; arriving at our "Coppi Summit", it is a fitting end to a GiroSardegna which will certainly be at the height of its best traditions! At the finish line there is a short feed stop and then you all go back to the hotel at your leisure. Green Route-Tour: … do whatever you can! After week on the bike you will certainly be getting fit, and therefore you can try the return trip to Genna Silana, but it is more than 100km and maybe too much! Maybe it is good enough for you to go as far as Dorgali or a bit more, at least to see, even from a distance the Gola di Gorroppu or the tunnel which allows you to overlook the coast at Cala Gonone! In the afternoon we have the prize-giving of the Giro Sardegna with the usual raffle prizes for the valuable things (and there will be as usual the appreciated discounts for the participation in the Giro 2013 ) then we go off to the ferries which leave late in the evening from Olbia or Golfo Aranci. N.B.- the hotel services includes in the Giro/Tour price finish with the lunch; exceptionally, you can keep the rooms till 15.00. For any further stayover, you have to have sent in the supplement when booking |
Price List for the "GiroSardegna" 2012 (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)You sign up by sending the whole amount hotel and entrance fee for the race or by sending a deposit equal to 300 euros per person. Those who send only a deposit must send the rest of the amount before the last date of 26 February 2011Entrance fees are only valid if accompanied by the receipt of the payment made. HOTEL PRICE: You can join up by sending the whole amount for the hotel plus the race fee or by sending a deposit equal 300 Euro per person. Those who have only sent the deposit must send the remainder before the final date of 29 February 2012 Entrance will not be considered valid unless accompanied by a copy of the receipt of the payment(s) made (The hotel prices are for one person in a double/triple/quadruple room with full board including drinks with meals)
Supplements on request: - single room: Euro 30 per person/day; - 2room / suite for GiroSardegna (for rooms designated: A2, A4, A6): Euro 100 per room - 2room / suite for GiriBrevi (for rooms designated: A2, A4, A6): Euro 50 per room Children reductions: 0/2 years -free-; 2/6 years -50% off-; 6/12 years -30% off- ATTENTION: for any nights you wish to stay at Golfo Aranci there will follow news on deals with specific hotels and cyclists can make their bookings direct with the hotels. RACE ENTRANCE FEE (for those staying in our hotels): The fee for the Giro/Tour covers everything in the programme freebies, rfeed stops, timing, medical and mechanical assistance, broom wagon, diploma, premi, entrance to the two "Granfondo", etc.
PENALTY FOR CANCELLATION: in the case of cancelling before 29/02/12 we will keep Euro 50.00 and return everything else sent to us; cancellation up to 10 days from the start, we will retain Euro 150.00. No reimbursements will be made for those who cancel after that. PENALTY FOR SUBSTITUTION OF RIDER: Euro 50.00 -Substitutions can be made up to 10 days before the start TIME LIMIT TO JOIN: 29 February 2012 (after which we will accept entrants only if there are places created by cancellations) HOW TO SIGN UP:
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Extract of the RULES of the "GiroSardegna" (* * ^ T O P ^ * *)
- All the cyclists who sign up for the "GiroSardegna" ("Grangiro" or "Mediogiro" and GiroBreve) must, at the start date of the race, be in possession of a valid 2012 cycling licence of the F.C.I. (Cicloturisti or Cicloamatori) or of another recognised cycling authority. Those who are taking part in the "Tour" can be cyclists in possession of a cycling permit or without one (on the condition that they have signed the waiver form ) - Entrance will be accepted until the hotel places are full. After 29/02/12 we will accept only entrance for places made available by cancellations - At signup to the Giro Sardegna, cyclists must state whether they will do the Grangiro or the Mediogiro. - In the case where the event is cancelled, any entrance fees will be returned in full. - In the case of cancellations made before 29/02/12 we will retain Euro 50 and return the rest of the funds sent to Mare & Monti (Giro+supplements); in the case of cancellation before 10 days before the start, we will retain Euro 150. No reimbursement will be made for cancellations after that date. - The Organisers reserve the right to vary the programme at any time - Everyone signed up accepts the risks of a cycling event ( breakage/damage to the bike, accidental falling caused by themselves or by others etc) and any other risks (wars, popular risings, floods, robberies etc) which may happen in the course of the event; no risk will be assumed by the organisers except for any risks covered by the various insurance policies in place - The sums sent are, to all effects, contributions made to the Associazione Mare & Monti as the organisers. No obligation or burden of any type derives from the payment of the sum in question - Competent court in the case of litigation: Cagliari |