Currently we are working hard to design the most suitable route for you. The given routes, locations and distances show the current planning and are subject to change in the coming months. The final tracks will be available approx. 6 weeks prior to the tour start
Itinerary
Day 1: Bastia - Corte
After a short tour briefing, the teams set off from the tour hotel. After the start, we first cycle a little through the flat coastal plain towards Bastia and circle the Étang de Biguglia. To the right the inland lake is within reach and to the left the Mediterranean stretches out, while we head south again on the very narrow coastal strip. Behind the lake we pass Bastia airport and now turn to the mountains rising in the distance. At Casamozza the altitude begins to slowly increase for us. Meter by meter we gain altitude as we cycle through the valley of the Golo River towards Corte, the former capital of Corsica. We pass through a few mountain villages and later turn onto a less traveled and much more winding mountain road before we reach our destination in Corte at the end of the first day of cycling.
Track 2 is detouring a little bit more into the beautiful hils than track 1.
Route character:[nbsp] hilly
Day 2: Corte - Porto
Today's cycling agenda includes crossing the Col di Vergio, the highest elevation of the tour and the highest pass in Corsica. But first we have to climb the Bocca d'Ominada and then, after a short descent, we continue upstream along the Golo River, as we did the previous day. We pass the Lac de Calacuccia reservoir and know that we have already mastered half of the climb. The narrow streets often provide views of impressive rock formations, the river or ancient stone bridges as we climb further and further towards the top of the pass. Then we finally reach the summit and can treat ourselves to a rest at the foot of the impressive stone statue at an altitude of 1470 m. The second part of the day is now all downhill through the beautiful Spelunca Canyon. As everywhere on the island, we not only have to pay attention to the curves and other road users, but also to the wild Corsican pigs that like to stand on the road sometimes. We pedal through the pretty mountain village of Evisa and can occasionally catch a glimpse of the sea shining in the distance. The extremely winding and narrow road leads us down to the sea and to the town of Porto, our destination for today. If you still feel like it, you can take a detour to the port of Porto and visit the famous Pisan defense tower by the sea.
At the beginning of the stage track 2 is climbing around 500 m circuting the Monte Angelo.
Route character: mountainous
Day 3: Porto - Ile-Rousse
This day there is no such a long climb as the day before, but the numerous shorter climbs add up to a more than considerable amount of elevation gain at the end of the day. However, today and over the next few days the constant views of stunning stretches of coastline will reward us much for the suffering. The road always climbs along the rocky coast, partly built with breathtaking rock formations, until we reach the Col de Palmarella, which once again offers a great view of the Gulf of Porto that is laying behind us. Now we cycle down to the Fango valley, where, with a short detour, the beautiful bathing pools of the Fango River invite us to cool off. We continue on the well-developed country road over the Col de Marsolino and down into the fertile coastal plain near Calvi. But there is already the next climb to Montemaggiore and the Col de Salvi, from which you have a magnificent view of Calvi and the coast. From now on it goes slightly downhill, except for one last smaller hill, to our destination for the day, Ile-Rousse, a popular beach town with a red rock that gives it its name.
Track 2 has again climb some extra meters in the Balagne region before reaching Ile-Rousse.
Route character: mountainous
Day 4: Ile-Rousse - Saint Florent
After leaving the city behind us, we ride along the coast for a bit before turning into the hinterland to Belgodere. So we gain almost 700 m altitude over just under 25 kilometers. With the Col di Sant-Colomban we have already reached the highest point of today's stage. Now we head back towards the sea on a great, less frequented country road. We have to climb another 300 meters in altitude in the Desert des Agriates before we approach the north coast with the town of Saint Florent. We cross the lively coastal town and end the stage a little outside the town at our hotel right on the beach.
Before reaching St. Florent, Track 2 will detour to the Lac de Padula before finally reaching the coast.
Route charakter: very hilly
Day 5: Saint Florent - Bastia
The last day keeps another highlight for us, cycling the famous Cap Corse in the very north of the island. From Saint Florent the route is still hilly, but significantly less demanding than in the past few days, along the wild and romantic west coast of the peninsula. In the village of Pino we leave the coastal road and climb one last time on this tour over the mountain ridge that separates us from the flatter eastern side of the peninsula. As soon as we have reached the coastal town of Santa Severa, we can enjoy the last 30 km to the tour destination in a relaxed manner and without any further effort, always close to the sea, only disturbed by the probably numerous holiday cars on the road. In Bastia we reach this year's tour destination and enjoy one last evening together with the new and well-known fellow riders.
As track 1 is not completely circuting the Cap Corse, Track 2 will completely cycle along the beautiful costline of this impressive peninsula.
Route charakter: very hilly
The tracks of the different stages differ in general regarding their length and the climb as well as the surface.
Track 1
Recommended for all kinds of bikes including road bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
Shorter and less challenging than track 2.
Track 2
Recommended in particular for road bikes, but possible for all kinds of bikes. Only paved roads on the track, if there is a need to use some (short) gravel sections, these are possible to cycle even with road bikes. If possible the track follows cycling paths.
The distance is longer and more climb than on track 1.