1,000 km. Sardinia Total Climbing m. 8,355 or 9,605
For several years now Sardinia has hosted a 7-day sportive/stage race during the Spring. This year it will take place between Sunday 20 April to Saturday 26 April.
Audax Italia are putting together a 1000km route that cleverly incorporates the two of the major sportives, at the beginning and end of the week, with brevets of 204, 210 and 270 kilometres. To make it even more interesting a sortie to Corsica has also been included.
Following are the details translated from Audax Italia.
Sunday 20 April: “Granfondo Sardinia”
Departure: at 09.30 Total distance: km. 146
Total climbing: m. 2,535
This is beautiful and varied route which takes you from the Straits of Bonifacio, inland to Gallura.
From S. Teresa, you follow the coast road for about 40 km until you reach the turn off for Isola Rossa; then you go inland climbing to the town of Trinità d’Agultu (365 m) where there is the first feeding station; you stay on the high plain for 8k until you reach the Cantoniera Iuncu followed by a fast descent to Viddalba; then you start to pedal on a very beautiful inland road with steep stretches to 600 metres; from Bortigiadas (479 m) you take the main road which climbs back up to the typical Sard town of Aggius (514 m) followed by the second feeding station; the route then alternates through wooded areas (cork trees) and rugged areas surrounded by granite rocks sculpted by the wind and rains; after a water stop near Aglientu (417 m) you descend to the sea for the last 20k on the coast road until you get back to S. Teresa.
Monday 21 April: “Patent Sardinia 1”
Departure: at 06.30 Total distance: km. 270
Total climbing: m. 1,680
A long but easy “galoppata” along the coastal road north, crossing Porto Torres, to get to the beach of “La Pelosa”. Return by the same route. The only real problem could be the mistral that blows very strong in the Strait of Bonifacio
Tuesday 22 April: “Patent Sardinia 2”
Departure: at 06.30 Total distance: km. 204
Total Climbing m. 1,700
This goes to the east coast of Sardinia. From the village, crossing Arzachena, you go down to Olbia then along the Eastern Sarda to Theodore S. and Budoni then back after seeing the beaches and views of Agrustos and Port of Ottiolu. It is largely flat…easy if there is no wind!
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Wednesday 23 April: Rest
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Thursday 24 April – “Patent Corsica”
Departure: at 06.30 Total distance: km. 210
Total Climbing: m. 350 or m. 1,600
We leave together to get the first ferry crossing to Corsica. There are two alternative routes, both of 210 km.
Route 1
This will be in a northerly direction along the coast via Porto Vecchio, and Solenzara Ghisonaccia to Aleria where it reverses back to the ferry. This is virtually all flat and allows you to make a few brief tourist diversions through the Gulf of Santa Giulia, Palombaggia beach, Gulf of Pinarellu, town of Porto Vecchio, beaches and coastal ponds etc.
Route 2
This goes to Solenzara and then into the mountains. A beautiful way to reach the Col de Bavella (1,218 m.) and from there to Zonza and then on to Sartene along quiet roads with little traffic. It then returns to Boniface via Ajaccio and the scenic south coast. This option will definitely be beautiful and varied, the difficult climb of the Col of Bavella be taken in the middle of the stage. Whatever the choice you will make in any case remember that the last ferry leaves relatively early!
Because of the unusual nature of the day and the structure of routes, the organization will provide one / two cars that serve as support from control points. NB- the cost of the ferry is NOT included in the registration fee and is to be borne by each participant.
Friday 25 April: “Granfondo CostaSmeralda”
Departure: at 09.30 Total distance: km. 170
Total Climbing: m. 2,090
This is known as the “most beautiful Granfondo in the world” . This year’s route is actually more attractive whilst maintaining the essence of the original’s panoramas. This includes the Costa Smeralda, the coast road of Cannigione with the famous crossing at the beach of Saline and the panoramic feeding station at Palau. For 2008 some fast inland roads have been added to show the beauty of the Gallura and the stunning pass at San Pantaleo.
