Tour Type
Giro d'Italia REK
Riding Level
Avid
Location
Northern Italy
Duration
8 days | 7 nights | 6 stages (10-15)
Length
858+ km
Climb
10,950+ m
Ride Every Kilometre of Week 2 the Giro d’Italia. Arrive in stunning Lucca for the breathtaking Individual Time Trial from Viareggio! Ride the scenic hills above Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast, then transition into Piedmont, from the coast into the heart of Fausto Coppi's legendary territory. The week culminates with a crucial mountain visit to the Aosta Valley before finishing in Milan.
We’ve been an Official Tour Operator of the Giro d’Italia since 2016 — and in 2026, we’re proud to return as a Premium Tour Operator.
This is the ultimate cycling challenge: Ride Every Kilometre of one of the Grand Tours on the same day… and the Giro d’Italia is typically the toughest! We’ll be riding on exactly the same route as the race, every single kilometre, just a few hours ahead of the pros. That’s over 850 km and 10,950+ metres of ascent, over 6 stages.
“There is nothing quite like riding on the full route of the Giro d’Italia, with thousands of supporters on the road cheering us on and the peloton only an hour or two behind us.” – Keith Tuffley, Founder of Grand Tours Project and the mind behind the “Ride Every Kilometre” concept.
Welcome to the heart of the Giro d’Italia! Your challenging journey begins today, in the historic, beautiful city of Lucca. The moment you roll out for the decisive Individual Time Trial, you are fully immersed in the Giro. You will then push north, conquering the coastal hills of Liguria and the immense Alpine ascent to Pila, securing your place among the Giro’s strongest riders. Your challenge starts now.
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be fit and ready for consecutive long days in the saddle. Expect early starts and long rides, sometimes finishing just an hour ahead of the race leaders.
There’s always time for coffee, lunch, and photo stops along the way.
Spaces are limited to two groups with a ratio of 7 cyclists to 1 guide, accompanied by a support vehicle. As an Official Tour Operator, we’ll have full support throughout, ensuring you reach the finish line each day. Riding the race course just hours before the pros is an unforgettable experience.We are a global cycling business, welcoming guests from all over the world, offering a diverse community and the chance to forge new friendships. We are also proud supporters of women’s cycling and consistently welcome a growing proportion of female guests.
This is the definitive Giro d’Italia experience – demanding, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Are you ready to ride every kilometre?
Cover photo credit: giroditalia.it
Welcome to Tuscany and the start of your REK Week 2 challenge! You will be met at Pisa Airport or the nearest train station and transferred to your historic hotel in Lucca.
This afternoon is focused on logistics: checking in, assembling your bike, and utilizing the rest day to ensure your equipment is perfectly ready for the week ahead. The highlight of the day is your integration with the All Stages REK riders who have just completed the gruelling Week 1 stages. The day concludes with the Week 2 Welcome Briefing and a traditional Tuscan dinner, setting the stage for the week’s challenges, including the Individual Time Trial and the move north toward the Alps.
Today begins the second week of the Giro with the “Race of Truth.” The Individual Time Trial that spans 40.2 km starting in Viareggio and finishing in Massa, the route is almost completely flat and follows the beautiful Tuscan coast. With no mountains to climb and no wheels to follow, this is a pure, unadulterated test of your sustained power and pacing. Cross the Giro Stage 10 Finish and mount the Winners’ Podium. Then after changing clothes, enter the Giro VIP Hospitality and compare Strava times against the pros as they arrive.
Today is a demanding and scenic journey as you leave your Tuscan base to Stage 11. Starting in Porcari, the route quickly moves away from the flat plains and heads straight into the hills separating Tuscany from Liguria. This is a classic puncheur’s stage, with climbing spread across the day. The challenging, relentless route takes you over numerous sharp ascents and fast descents through the Apennines. You will be rewarded with spectacular views as you reach the Ligurian coast and finish in Chiavari.
Today is a stage rich in cycling history as you ride the Stage 12 route from the beautiful Ligurian coast in Imperia and roll inland. This is a difficult transition day, with relentless ups and downs testing the legs as you leave the coastal environment behind. The excitement builds as you move into the region of Piedmont. The stage culminates in Novi Ligure, the gateway to the hills of Fausto Coppi.
Today is a long stage starting from Alessandria, deep within Piedmont. The route distance is fast, designed for high average speed as the route avoids mountain climbs but heads north into the Alps. The scenery shifts dramatically in the final kilometres as you approach the vast pre-Alpine lakes. The stage concludes on the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore in Verbania. This long day requires strategic pacing to conserve energy, as the high mountains of the Aosta Valley and Switzerland await.
Stage 14 is the undisputed Queen Stage of the second week – a brutal, high-mountain test that will determine the strongest climbers. Starting in Aosta, this stage packs a staggering 4,400 metres of climbing into just 141 km.
The figure of eight route is relentless, throwing riders immediately onto unforgiving alpine roads and features multiple major ascents in the shadow of Europe’s highest peaks, demanding exceptional power and mountain endurance. The day culminates with an exhaustive summit finish at the ski resort of Pila.
Following the brutal climbing of the Aosta Valley, this day is a much-needed change of pace – a high-speed transfer stage. Starting in Voghera, the route is exceptionally flat as it traverses the expansive plains of Lombardy. This stage is designed to be the fastest of the week, built entirely for the sprinters. The pace can be furious if you desire, giving you a chance to emulate the high velocity required for a mass finish…or perhaps a sedate pace to ensure you finish the stage! Week 2 culminates within the metropolitan heart of Milano, and provides essential recovery time ahead of the final week’s routes.
Farewells are here – the REK group splits with the All Stages riders transferring to Locarno in Switzerland and the Week 2 REK riders remaining in Milan.
Your challenging Week 2 REK journey concludes today – after a final breakfast, the Grand Tours Project team will coordinate your departure from the hotel in Milan. Transfers will be provided to Milan Malpensa Airport, for your onward travel.
Congratulations! Over the past week, you successfully raced along the Individual Time Trial route, navigated the rolling Ligurian terrain, and proved your alpine readiness by tackling the high-mountain ascent to Pila in the Aosta Valley. You have earned the right to stand among the strongest riders, closing your week with a thrilling finish in the fashion capital.
In the Giro d’Italia, you are guaranteed remote and beautiful places and always with daily challenges ‘ the toughest race in the world’s most beautiful place’.
If this appeals to your sense of adventure, a desire for a real challenge, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Giro d'Italia "Ride Every Kilometre" Tour, 2024
“Now my third year in a row riding with GTP and already looking forward to seeing you all again in 2025!”
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