Italian Spring Training Camp – Sat 7 to Sat 14 May 2016

The Hotel Riz (Ritz), in the Italian coastal town of Cesenatico, has been the base for the West Suffolk Wheelers’ annual training camp since 2006 (with the exception of a visit to Girona in 2010). The reasons are simple - a good location with plenty of riding options, on the flat or in the hills - a comfortable hotel, with very friendly and helpful staff and terrific food, that provides unrivalled value for money - experienced Italian cycling guides, and of course that special Italian ingredient - La dolce vita!

Interested? If you’d like to come along or need more information, give Justin Wallace a call (01359 232 151) or send an email (justinannwallace@btinternet.com)

36 members enjoyed sun and blue skies in 2015 and I am sure many will want to return again in 2016, so reserve a place soon while the prices of flights are low. The hotel's English language website is well worth a look -  www.cyclinitaly.com (checkout the photo of the Wheelers' at the top Marco Pantani's climb - bottom of the page).

Non-cycling partners are welcome and there’s plenty to see and do in Cesenatico. The coastal railway enables easy access to towns north and south. The hotel also lays on two or three days of guided walking tours inland, a day at Terme-Spa San Agnese, cooking courses with Mamma Luciana, Italian language courses, a trip to an outlet store for designer shoes, and as we are going in May, sunbeds on the beach. And of course no visit would be complete without a visit to Marco Pantani's museum.

An overview of the week

Saturday: Minibus from Bury to Stansted airport. Coach transfer from Bologna airport to the Hotel Riz.

Saturday afternoon: Check the rental bikes that are waiting for us in the hotel garage and go for a short ride (stopping in at the local bike shop if any major modifications need to be done). Of course some members take their own bikes.

Sunday through to Friday: At 9.30am meet the local guides who will lead the rides. There are usually three ability groups.  A stop for coffee midway through the four or five hour ride and then it’s back to the hotel by mid afternoon for a pasta buffet and cakes, followed by whatever takes your fancy - a walk on the beach, a visit to the hotel’s gym/spa, a massage or a siesta before dinner at 7 o’clock; which is eagerly awaited by one and all. The food is fabulous and so is the local wine which is served on-tap.

Triathletes can also get their swimming and running sessions in as Cesenatico has a large municipal swimming pool just a five minute walk from the Riz. For running you can choose the sandy beach, the promenade or local park.

Saturday: A coach ride to the airport for the flight home. Minibus waiting for the return journey to Bury.

Costs

1. Accommodation cost per person for the seven days is 400 Euros, half board, which includes breakfast, post-ride pasta and cakes and dinner, including wine. The cost is based on two sharing a room and there is a supplement of 28 Euros for single occupancy. This very reasonable rate also includes cycling guides, laundry for cycling clothing, roadside assistance and sunbeds on the beach. Rooms are also available in the Villa Riz next door for an added surcharge (If you are interested I have a list of the charges).

2. Bike hire costs are 11 Euros a day for an aluminium frame and 22 Euros for a carbon.

3. Airport transfers 40 or 50 Euros return.

Other costs:

1. Minibus to and from UK airport. (Price TBC)

2. Airfares from Ryanair (outbound) and easyjet (inbound) which can vary depending on how early or late you book your flight.

Interested? If you’d like to come along or need more information, give Justin Wallace a call (01359 232 151) or send an email (justinannwallace@btinternet.com)