10 Icons Dolomites Edition
Braking Away - cycling in the high Dolomites
"Braking Away Cycling Tours have delivered again - six days of cycling in Italy including the epic Stelvio, the hardest climb in Mortirolo and the vastly underestimated Marmolada - 400km with 12km of ascent.
Fantasticlally organised and orchestrated by Gordon and Ciara. Throw in Amedeo, our road captain and Willie, logistics and entertainment (jog on) and you have a recipe for a fantastic week where you are fully supported on 10 epic climbs. The caveat being that you must be willing to challange yourself and push yourself to the limits of your endurance. After this adventure you will understand what your body (and bike) can achieve - this is hard core cycling with lots of altitude.
The physical exertion is however tempered with fantastic hotels including Passo Sella Dolomiti and Mezdi serving top class cuisine (and lots of it).
If Braking Away havent got the best product in the market, please show me a better one if you want a tough week of cycling with some creature comforts thrown in." Steve Evans UK.
Another Epic trip with Braking Away!
"I never thought I would cycle the Dolomites but Braking Away made it possible with an amazing itinerary and organisation .
The group gelled well and you could go at your own speed. This was my third trip with them so need I say more!
With so many cycle groups out there I wouldn't hesitate to join them again due to the super team and importantly the good value! Thanks Braking Away team!" C.Doorly. Ireland.
An epic week on and off the bike
"For any cyclist that craves epic climbs and descents with great company and accommodations then this company is for you. They delivered it in spades even given the challenges of losing a driver and vehicle the day before the trip. We stayed in great hotels and some great meals while off the bike and always had a good time with no drama. On the bike these are the best climbs in the world in my opinion. The team was always there and helping with water food or just encouragement. I cannot recommend them enough Braking Away delivered. Thanks Gordon, Ciara, Andy and Aaron." Craig Schaepe. USA
Iconic trip enabled by impeccable logistics.
"I had the pleasure of joining Gordon, Ciara, Willie, and Amadeo and nine other cyclists for a trip to the dolomites in June for a spectacular week of 10 classic climbs, many ridden in the Giro d’ Italia.
The routes were well planned to ensure we made good use of our time, focusing on iconic climbs from convenient locations. The scenery and roads were incredible, but none of this would have been possible without excellent logistics executed by the team. We had many contact points with the team throughout the day via two support bands, that leap frogged the riders through the climbs. Our ever present tour guide, Amadeo, did an excellent job of shepherding the nine of us up the mountain. No one ever felt pushed or that they were being dropped. I am convinced that Amadeo covered twice the distance as the rest of us.
I went into this tour with trepidation that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. However, the sequencing of the climbs was excellent in terms of knocking out some big days early on while energy and adrenaline were high. The teams encouragement, logistical support with food, water, and clothing as needed, was a critical factor in our success.
Getting us set up in the hotels and organizing departures was excellent. The hotels and food were wonderful. I very much miss them when I was in Paris the following week.
I’m already planning my next trip with breaking away cycling tours in France 2026"
Rob Eberley. USA.
Best personal support on a cycling holiday
"There are countless cycling tour companies to choose from. Before you decide, certainly look at Braking Away Cycling Tours. I whole-heartedly would recommend them. I think it would be difficult to surpass the level of personal support Gord, Ciara and their team provide throughout their tours. The combination of a well-designed, challenging collection of routes, with premium hotels and restaurants made for an overall great experience."
Bill Lisowsky." Canada.
10 Cols of the Dolomites
"Had a fantastic cycling trip with Ciara & Gordon over the beautiful Dolomites. Wonderful hotels & the back up provided by all the Braking Away team was first class. Would highly recommend to anybody. Thanks a million guys." Thomas Geough. Ireland.
Dolomites Delight
"Gordon and his crew (Ciara, Amedeo, Will) did a bang-up job with the planning and execution of this challenging trip. They took care of the difficult logistics of the adventure. Their support during the trip was amazing. That said, the views were stunning! For any cyclist that wants a 6-day challenge up 10 of the most iconic climbs in the Dolomites should definitely consider this trip! We had a small group with riders from the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA. We all got along great. I enjoyed the choice of hotels that were provided. The restaurants and the food options were excellent." Dennis Sinauskas. USA.
10 Icons French Alps Edition
10 Icons Experience
"Braking Away 10 Icons Cycling Tour was my first multiday cycling trip and I am blown away by the whole experience.
What a route, 10 marquee climbs that are on everybody’s bucket list; but believe me this is some serious cycling (climbing). The result is that I have come away with a fantastic sense of personal achievement.
I was physically tested every day, but Gordon & Ciara have built a fantastic infrastructure with Braking Away, you just have to add your energy, resilience and determination.
Meticulous planning and execution is evident from the outset and this is continued across the week. Gordon & Ciara (and the rest of the support team) do all that they can to ensure that you have a successful week.
Braking Away provides a supportive environment with a selection of great hotels for your overnight stops." S.Evans
Fantastic Craic
"3 of us joined the 10 Icons tour. Wow, fantastic organisation and wonderfully friendly crew allied with a magnificent route made an amazing trip.Gordon and Ciara (Breaking Away) were the perfect hosts. Obviously lots of work behind the scenes beforehand to sort hotels and admin so that on tour they seemed to focus exclusively on our enjoyment on tour and what great characters they both are, on the road and the in the hotels.I have every intention of joining them on another tour, so a money wheremouth is recommendation." Humphrey T. UK.
WOW
"It can be easy to give out a 5-star review on Tripadvisor, but this is an *actual* top rated 5 (**1.000** if that were possible) stars review.
I had never climbed a mountain with my bike before, but I nevertheless decided to go for this trip. I just love cycling and the mountains and it sounded like the perfect trip to me. It has actually been perfect and even more so.
Ciara and Gordon and their whole crew have been just amazing (and this word does not even describe half of how great they all have been to me). Despite my (very!) slow pace with respect to others, they made sure, in each and every way they could, that I would get on top of the most amazing Cols I have ever seen. They gave me constant support, advice (I learnt so much about cycling!), comfort (yes, sometimes that was required!), and they
were ALWAYS, always there when I needed them. They do their amazing job with gigantic passion, for cycling and for the mountains, and you can feel it.
I never felt left out, despite my slow cadence. One of their friends (joining the trip just for fun and not to climb) was happy to be recruited and support/coach me for each and every ride, so that I was never to be alone. Ciara herself did not shy away from grabbing and putting on her cycling kit to join me so that I was not to be left by myself.
Organization was incredible: Ciara, Gordon, and each and everyone of their crew made sure that everyone got what they needed in the exact moment they needed it. No stress for the client, all the stress is on them (and, believe me, you'll see, there can be A LOT of stress up there, for so many reasons).
Stunning places to visit, beautiful hotels, good food. Ciara and Gordon are not just great professionals, but exceptional people, and all the people surrounding them are likewise. Far beyond my expectations, memories from this trip will actually last a lifetime and I will cherish them so dearly - HIGHLY recommended"
Paola Casetta. Italy.
Tough but so rewarding
"Four weeks ago, I had just finished packing, nervous but ready for a great adventure in the Alps!
Three weeks ago today, we had just finished our tenth icon, Mont Ventoux, after an epic week with Braking Away Cycling Tours.
Ventoux is the mountain Chris Froome almost ran up and where we first saw Jonas Vingegaard had the ability to take on Tadej Pogacar!
Having the opportunity to cycle some of the greatest roads used by the Tour de France was not just a huge challenge but the most incredible experience. Saying you’ve been up the Col de Galibier, Col de la Colombiere and Alpe d’Huez puts you in a very special club.
Throughout it Gordon and Ciara made sure every little detail was taken care of so that we could concentrate on our cycling, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying great food and fab hotels along the way.
Tomorrow another group of no doubt slightly nervous cyclists will begin that journey with Gordon, Ciara and road captain Amedeo. If you are one of them, have the most amazing time - it’s tough but so rewarding.
Enjoy every second of it, even when the sweat is dripping, the legs are tired and the top still seems so far away! Believe in yourself - you’ll get there and remember the downhill to come!"
Murray Mac Gregor. UK.
An epic week on and off the bike
"For any cyclist that craves epic climbs and descents with great company and accommodations then this company is for you. They delivered it in spades even given the challenges of losing a driver and vehicle the day before the trip. We stayed in great hotels and some great meals while off the bike and always had a good time with no drama. On the bike these are the best climbs in the world in my opinion. The team was always there and helping with water food or just encouragement. I cannot recommend them enough Braking Away delivered. Thanks Gordon, Ciara, Andy and Aaron." Craig Schaepe. USA
10 Icons Tour-wow, a truly amazing challenge and experience!
Just a few words of thanks for a truly amazing cycle tour in France of the 10 Icons, 10 iconic climbs of the Tour du France. Not only were the actual climbs (and descents) thrilling, the scenery was beyond spectacular.
We stayed in gorgeous boutique hotels, ate sumptuous breakfasts and dinners, but what stands out equally, was the dedication and attention to detail from the crew - Gordon, Ciara, Amedeo and Aaron were are all consummate professionals.
Nothing was too much trouble, they were always on hand to assist in anyway. Haribos aplenty and all manner of snacks at strategic points on the mountain and dry warm clothes at the top to descend.
We jokingly called the crew our stalkers as they were there at every turn with words of encouragement, cheering us on, taking photos, handing us sustenance & drinks and generally a very reassuring presence.
No aspect of our tour was left to chance, they anticipated our every need.
The evening dinners were such fun, not only amazing food but lots of side splitting banter and antidotes.
We were a group of strangers on evening 1 by evening 7 we were arranging to do another Braking Away tour in Italy in 2025-this speaks volumes as to the camaraderie built up over the week, due in no small way to the crew!
A personal note of thanks to Ciara (‘magic hands’) who worked on my super tight leg muscles to alleviate niggling knee pain. So reassuring to have a qualified nurse & physio on the team!
Clare & Richard USA
10 Icons France.Fantastic trip. Highly recommend
What an incredible experience! Gordon and Ciara's passion for cycling and looking after everyone was amazing. The personal touch really made for a great time. Nothing was too much trouble. The 2 support vans with Arron and Andy where always there when you needed them, supplying drinks, snacks and enthusiastic encouragement. Our team of riders quickly bonded and helped each other on the road. All accommodation and meals where brilliant. If you are looking to ride the Iconic climbs and have a generally great experience, then look no further than Breaking Away. Get it booked now! I will be back for more next year in the Dolomites. Thank you to all the staff and fellow riders for a truly great time. Martin Robinson. UK.
10 Icons with a great team delivering an amazing experience
Highly recommended Braking Away, they delivered a fantastic week which was incredibly well organized before, during and after. The support team were really enthusiastic and energetic throughout the week and helped get weary legs moving.
The memory of this trip will live long, I rode with top people of mixed strengths and all with personal goals and ambitions for the week. Everyone was catered for and the group were all very supportive. Our needs were catered for which allowed us to focus on making the climbs and enjoying the cycling.
I've done events such as etape du tour in the past but this experience was so much more enjoyable, no stress of big events and broom wagons with a fun team.
The team were really flexible where possible throughout.
Neil Collins. UK.
Tour of Tuscany
Exceptional cycling tour company who are more than happy to accommodate solo travellers. The organisation of the Tuscany tour was second to none, from arranging bike hire, providing much needed cold refreshments on the road during a heatwave, fantastic road captain to guide us, beautiful accommodation which exceeded expectations, and a very welcome tour of fabulous restaurants throughout the region. Braking Away provide a truly personalised experience, with much fun and laughs guaranteed! Laura M. Ire.
We had a great experience on the Tuscany trip with Braking Away. The rider support was outstanding, and Amedeo was the perfect leader on the road. The Tuscan roads and views were amazing. The best part of the trip was the good times and laughs shared with wonderful people. John and Lauri Lafferty. USA.
I can’t recommend Braking Away Cycle Tours highly enough. Gordon & Ciara were fantastic organisers & looked after our every need. From being collected at the airport, staying in a lovely hotel in the heart of Tuscany and then the daily cycle spins on Tuscan roads, it was absolutely fantastic. Thanks guys for an amazing holiday & hopefully see you again. Thomas M. Ireland.
If you like cycling and traveling and being in good company, they are a guarantee!!!
I could only spend 3 days with them, but I would have been there for a month! impeccable organization and a wonderful group!
I would follow them everywhere! Federica B. Italy.
Mizen to Malin
Jul 2025 • Friends
This was my second trip with Gordon and Ciara of Braking away following a great alpine trip - ICON 10 - last year.
The Mizzen to Mallin Head route is a classic. We were really well supported and looked after and just had to focus on
the cycling. A very well organised trip. Martin Warren. UK.
Memorable cycle trip Mizen to Malin, Ireland
Jul 2025 • Friends
Memorable journey from Mizen Head to Mizen Head in Ireland led by Braking Away Cycling, with fantastic support from Gordon and Ciara (and Will) every step of the way from pick up at the airport to the finish and everything in between. We were a group of experienced cyclists, and Braking Away Cycling were there for everything we needed. Great focus on safety as well. Tim Moody. UK.
Jul 2025 • Friends
My second trip with them but this time I was the organiser. Lots of responsibility on me for for it to be good and I was confident that Gordon and Ciara wouldn’t let me down, but they excelled. Fantastic organisation before and during the trip, albeit not even they could stop the rain in Ireland. Great hotels and nothing was too much bother, they even cleaned our bikes and organised a stop to watch the Lions test. It’s very comforting to know Ciara is an A&E nurse and a physio but all three of this trip’s team were just such easy company and a pleasure to have with us. I’d certainly use them again. Humphrey Turner. UK.
Wet n Wild, but always enjoyable
Jul 2025 • Friends
As a group of friends who regularly cycle together or have cycled together, we decided to abandon the sunny shores of Bristol, Exmouth and Sydney to experience the Wild Atlantic Way with Braking Away. Ciara, Gordon and Willie were fantastic. The route provided great views, an Irish antidote to the heat wave and semi drought affecting our home grounds and a warm welcome from all of the locals along the way, even when bemused by why a group of middle aged men should choose such an odd pursuit instead of hurling or Gaelic football… Jonathon L. UK.
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