At the end of September 2009 we picked a lucky winner to travel to Italy and enjoy a truly unique experience. Following on from the huge success this competition generated last year 2008, Wiggle teamed up with Vittoria to give away another once in a lifetime Golden Ticket prize! Lucky winner James Gerrard-Jones was flown out to Italy to watch the Giro Di Lombardia with full VIP access!

Read his full report below.

I couldn’t believe my luck when Wiggle got in touch to tell me I’d won first prize in the Vittoria ‘Giro Lombardia’ prize draw. Literally a dream come true – spend the day watching the one day road-race over in Italy & then cycle part of the route on the following day. Could it get any better?

The ‘ride of the falling leaves’ as it’s nicknamed is a one day event running a 242km course around Lake Como and the surrounding hills.

Our hosts from Vittoria managed to place us behind the scenes with the teams who make it all happen. We had access to the team areas and could check out all the kit the riders were using – I’ve added this Cervelo to my Christmas list…

I was lucky enough to be in the Cofidis team car, I was imagining I’d be squashed in the back of the car but that’s where the mechanic sits, I had a place up-front next to the driver, truly a once in a lifetime experience. We were off at high speed as one of the Cofidis riders had a problem with their bike’s head-set and they needed assistance. Imagine being in a get-away car after a bank robbery – they drive exactly like that but also manage to eat / chat on the phone / make notes etc all at the same time.

After an ‘exciting’ start we settled into a steady pace with domestique riders dropping back to collect bottles for their team mates. One thing that struck me that you don’t really get when watching on TV was the sheer level of suffering these guys were putting themselves through. Sure they don’t go all out for the whole ride but when the group surges forward there are riders in there who are giving it everything just to not be dropped from the main bunch. Having said that I did catch a glimpse of Cadel Evans at one point (early on) and he looked like he was out on a light training ride, how fit must you be to make a ride like this one seem easy?

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It turned out not to be Cadel’s day as Gilbert took the win followed closely by Samuel Sanchez. Although we were in the car at the back of the race they have satellite TV on the dashboard, I can recommend this as a great way to take in the action :-)

After the race we spent some time with the Mavic team and then wondered back through Como to our hotel. Still buzzing from all the day’s action it was time to think about getting our kit sorted for the early start the following day and our own ascent of the ‘Madonna Del Ghisallo’.

Setting out from Como the route was breathtaking, with views across the lake into the Swiss Alps. After 20 miles and an expresso by the lakeside in Bellagio it was time to tackle the hill. Our host Lucca set the pace and all went quiet as we climbed, and climbed, and climbed. I’d heard about this Church before as it’s a Mecca for cyclists worldwide. The views at the top didn’t disappoint & we had time to check out the inside of the church as well – it’s tiny inside and crammed full of photos and memorabilia. Aside from photographs and shirts, posters and caps there were bikes from generations of famous racers suspended from the wall. Well worth a visit!

Finally – the best thing about cycling in the mountains… the decent. Didn’t quite manage the 60mph I’d seen from the pro’s the previous day but we still had fun, some stunning hairpin bends sweeping us back to the lakeside for the final run back to Como. A Sunday morning ride I will never forget.

The only thing left to say is a massive THANK YOU to Amy from Wiggle and Lucca from Vittoria for making it all happen and being such brilliant hosts. Also to Simon and Andy for being great company – hoping to see you all at the Chiltern 100 next summer for more climbing!

James