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Liguria set to be a top cycling destination for 2013

12th February 2013 Print
Liguria

The mountainous region of Liguria in north-west Italy is one of Europe’s best kept secrets for keen bikers, with thousands of miles of coastal and mountainous paths and biking contests throughout May and June. With 300 sunshine days a year and at just a two hour flight from the UK, Liguria is perfect for family biking holidays and for cycling enthusiasts looking for new routes to explore.

Imperia is one of Liguria’s best cycling locations with over 2,000 km of biking routes separated into green, blue, red and black grades. There are flat, wide dirt tracks suitable for families, moderately difficult trails for those looking to get their hearts pumping and very demanding tracks with steep uphill sections for the true biking enthusiast.  The routes range from coastal paths to mountain tracks giving cyclists the chance to experience a number of different terrains in one ride, plus enjoy the varied scenery. The routes also run though small mountain and coastal villages, giving cyclists the opportunity to sample authentic Ligurian produce. 

Further details and route maps can be seen at: alpidelmareinbici.it.

Enthusiastic cyclists looking to compete can take part in one of Liguria’s most renowned biking contests, which are held each year:

Alta Via Stage Race-14-22 June-The Alta Via Stage Race is a mountain biking race along eight stages of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, which follows the Ligurian Mountain Ridge. The nine day bike race covers 570km and has a 17,000 metre ascent, with a number of challenging climbs and paths. Cyclists will see some of Liguria’s most stunning views, passing terraced covered hills, 80 of Liguria’s most charming villages, dense forests and rugged mountains.

Entry into the race is £430 per person, including daily breakfast and dinner, accommodation in two man tents, luggage transfer from one stage to another, shower facilities, massages, technical assistance, a number plate, map and a final awards ceremony.

Registration is open and can be made at: altaviastagerace.com

24 hours of Finale-25-26 May/ 1-2 June- The 24 hours of Finale is a 24 hour non- stop mountain biking race in the Finale Ligure region of west Liguria. The race has become one of the region’s most popular sporting contests since it started in 1999 with over 2,000 competitors in 2012. This is mainly due to the beauty of the course with its stunning cliff top sea views as well as inland wooded tracks. 

Participants can enter in teams of four, eight or 12 (25-26 May) or even by themselves (1-2 June) for a real challenge. The main rule is that teams and solo riders must bike uninterrupted for 24 hours, even through the night. Thousands of spectators come to watch the race, enjoy the live music, food stalls and fancy dress teams that compete.  

Registration can be made online at: 24hfinale.com. Prices are £75 for a solo rider, £200 for a team of four, £400 for a team of eight and £600 for a team of 12.

Getting to Liguria

Flights from London Gatwick to Genoa with British Airways (britishairways.com) start from £96 return and flights from London Stansted to Genoa with Ryanair (ryanair.com) start from £86 return.

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Liguria