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14 March 2006

14 March News ...

Belgian Giro d'Italia with SportsTrails

See the Giro d'Italia in Belgium by bike and coach. The 2006 Giro will make its start in Belgium later this year so why not go check out the action. BiciRace.com recommends getting in touch with SportsTrails to experience the passion of Italian cycling in a country rich in cycling history and good beer.

SportsTrails will be on the scene to guide you through the opening Belgian stages of the Giro, watching the action heat up as riders fight for the Maglia Rosa. Below we have a break-down of the Giro's Belgian stages and what SportsTrails have planned.

Friday, 5 May - Benvenuti a Brussels!

Your guides will welcome you at Brussels International Airport and accompany you by coach to the hotel and base for the duration of the tour, the Hotel Novotel Wépion. Here you'll stay on half board, inclusive of bed, breakfast and four evening meals. Spare time can be spent relaxing by one of the hotel's two pools or maybe in the sauna. Or maybe you'd like to try one of the nearby activities which include jet and water skiing. But don't forget about the next day's 6.2K Crono!

Saturday 6 May - Stage 1

It is time for the opening stage of la Corsa Rosa, an individual time trial of 6.2K in Seraing. SportsTrails will be there to watch the riders as they negotiate their way around the technical course and the right to wear the first Maglia Rosa of the 89th Giro. After a day of skin-suit action you will return by comfortable coach to the hotel in Wépion.

Sunday 7 May - Stage 2

The first road stage will see the riders depart from Mons on course for Charleroi, a stage of 203K. SportsTrails leave after breakfast and travel to Mons where you'll watch the riders sign-in at the partenza. After the peloton departs you'll travel by coach the short distance to Charleroi in time to watch the stage finale. Will the stage end in a sprint? Will Alessandro Petacchi shine for Milram, or will the Aussie, Robbie McEwen reap victory? One thing's for sure, you will be there to witness the stage drama. Once again the coach will be waiting to take you back to Wépion.

Monday 8 May - Stage 3

Stage 3 finishes in Namur so you'll have a little more time to relax in the morning before making your way with SportsTrails to watch the stage finale. You'll arrive in Namur with enough time to relax, enjoy a Belgian brew and maybe select some gifts to take home. The finish will be no less dramatic than the first two days, ending after 202K from Perwez. Maybe an escape will survive ... The final 2K will be uphill, and this should cause the first serious splits in the GC. After the finish you'll return to the luxurious hotel to relax and trade stories from the day.

Tuesday 9 May - Stage 4

Tuesday stage 4, from Wanze to Hotton, sees the final day for the Giro peloton in Belgium. SportsTrails will take you to the partenza where you'll once again savour the atmosphere as the riders arrive, sign-in, sign autographs and then depart for the 182K stage. When the riders depart you'll make your way to the stage finish in time to watch all the action. Even though the stage today is shorter it will prove no less decisive and tricky as the riders tackle even more of the Wallonne roads.

Wednesday 10 May - Ciao!

While the Giro peloton is flying south to Piacenza, Italy, you'll enjoy a nice breakfast and then head by coach to Brussels International Airport to conclude your Belgian Giro d'Italia experience.

SportsTrails will organize and guide bike rides in the Wallonne surroundings on most days. For those of you traveling without two-wheels, bike hire can be arranged in Belgium.

For full details visit the excellent SportsTrails website or fire-off an email to info@sportstrails.com.

Read:
Giro d'Italia Preview
2006 Giro d'Italia Presentation News, 12 November
2006 Giro d'Italia Presentation Photos
Giro Jitters: Italians in Wallonne, 8 November
2006 Giro d'Italia to Start in Belgium, 20 July

14 March News ...