Join me in May 2027 as I host two inspiring boutique cycling tours in Italy and Spain that will take you into regions of the Earth that you’ll remember as one of the most interesting chapters of your cycling journey.
📩 [ Click here to express your interest for May 2027 and lock in early details ]
Tours Intro
The first road cycling tour begins in early May on the island of Sardinia, Italy, which is a place I connect with deeply, not only for having mountain biked across the lands and mountains on a previous 2-week solo quest, but it’s also the home of one of my freediving instructors, World Champion, Umberto Pelizzari who I trained with in Egypt, and when you visit the rugged coastline, you’ll understand why.
The second gravel cycling tour in the second half of May takes place in Spain’s Costa Brava (Courageous Coast) and Girona, a region I’ve come to adore for its low-key swagger, freakin delicious charcoal chicken, potent Cafe Cortado coffees, and rolling hills that roll you all the way to some of the prettiest coastal towns you’ve ever immersed into the sea at sunset. And be mesmerised by that natural light that Salvador Dali expressed in his paintings like no other, along with those dripping clocks that bend time. Oh, and yes, let’s not pass over the fact that Lance Armstrong based himself there in his Pro days, which has resulted in the region becoming the central mecca of cycling for anyone who considers themselves a cyclist.
You may already know, but yes, my obsession with the European way of life, it runs deep.
A Little Taste of Euro Obsession
In 2012 I even did my best to become a Frenchman, bedding down for half a year in the tiny French-Catalan 13th Century seaside village of Collioure that rests at the foot of the Pyrenees and upon the azure waters of the Mediterranean. My heart could not have wanted for more, the intersection of rolling hills for cycling, gorgeous blue inviting water for freediving, and the insanity of the fierce Tramontane trade wind that worked over every part of my breathing capabilities. Matched only by the fact that I lived in the apartment above where famous English-born writer of the profound novel of Master and Commander, Patrick O’Brian. Which, was curiously down the road from the Hôtel-Restaurant Les Templiers, to which the likes of famous artists Matisse and Pablo Picasso frequented, even trading their art in exchange for lodging and feasting whilst they were establishing their artistic creations. No more athletically, linguistically, culturally, artistically and gastronomically could I ever have found myself being so alive and inspired, along with being incredibly isolated and pushed to the brink of resourcefulness in a town that didn’t speak English, with my French speaking rudimentary at best, and Catalan non-existent. It was a formative six months, that came to a close the day I decided to ride my Orbea Orca road bike up to the Tour Madeloc mediaeval watchtower at 650m high, with the roads covered in snow.
Back to May 2027 though and the cycling vibes just there waiting over the horizon…
That Collioure trip was significant in this little history segment, as it established my role as a Cycling Tour Guide and Leader in the Pyrenees chain straddling France and Spain.
Guiding Tours Since 2012
For over a decade now, I’ve had the privilege of guiding cyclists through Europe’s most breathtaking terrain with Sierra Sports & Tours, the tour company that is the brainchild of Melbourne’s own Paul D’Andrea— as Leader and Guide, I’ve toured everywhere from the towering alpine passes of France, Switzerland, and Italy to the sun-drenched backroads and coasts of Spain and Portugal.
During many Euro summer seasons of thousands of kilometers and up to 10 cycling tours back-to-back over months, I’ve learned that a truly extraordinary ride isn’t just about the elevation gained and the epic roads; it’s about how relaxed, connected, and present you feel in the saddle. And this evolves from the detailed design of the tour, the critical thinking put into the routes, the locations, and the daily logistics nuances you never notice. It’s the choice of hotels, the excellent restaurants, and the cultural connections that are yours to savour along the natural way. The small group focus supported by local crew who know better than anyone the ins and outs and subtleties of culture that mean the difference between the well-trodden tourist ant trail, and the hidden gems of local knowledge.
Announcing May 2027 European Cycling Tours
That’s why I am thrilled to announce these two extraordinary journeys for May 2027: a spectacular 10-day / 9-night road cycling tour across Sardinia, which runs immediately before the flagship 8-day / 7-night Girona & Costa Brava light gravel experience. You can join us for either leg, or combine both for the ultimate multi-week European cycling (and breathwork!) journey.
Part 1: Wild Coastal Peaks & Deep Blue Waters (Sardinia • 10 Days / 9 Nights)
Sardinia holds a deeply personal connection for me. Beyond my own colourful memories of self-guided cycling across its rugged terrain, it is the homeland of my freediving teacher, legendary world champion Umberto Pelizzari. The island is a masterclass in elemental beauty, where dramatic mountain ranges drop straight into pristine turquoise seas.
Starting in Olbia, our fully supported road route winds south across the legendary Passo Ghenna Silana, descending through coastal Arbatax, the ancient wetlands of Cabras, and the colorful riverside village of Bosa. We then trace the coastal roads north to Alghero and Argentiera.
A true highlight of the island is Capo Caccia—my personal favourite place in Sardinia. Riding along these towering limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean offers panoramic views that take your breath away, setting the stage for coastal sea immersions and visits to extraordinary natural wonders like Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno).
Part 2: The Roadie’s Accessible Intro to Gravel (Girona & Costa Brava • 8 Days / 7 Nights)
Following Sardinia, we head directly to Spain’s cycling heartland. There’s a reason dozens of WorldTour pros make Girona their home base. In May, the region comes alive with ideal riding weather (18°C–24°C) and the famous Temps de Flors (Flower Festival), which transforms Girona’s medieval quarter into a vibrant floral gallery.
If you’re a road cyclist curious about gravel—but hesitant to tackle technical singletrack or rock gardens—this second leg is built specifically for you.
We blend roughly 55% smooth asphalt with 45% crunchy non-technical gravel and hardpack country paths. It’s an accessible gateway for roadies sitting on the fence, designed to build your off-tarmac confidence on quiet regional and rural paths and gravel connectors down to the Mediterranean cliffs of the Costa Brava.
Breathwork, Sea & Saddle: The Unifying Elements
Whether carving through Sardinia’s coastal passes or cruising Girona’s country lanes, intentional breathwork will be integrated into every step of the journey:
- In the Saddle: Learn targeted nasal-breathing patterns to pace climbs like Passo Ghenna Silana and Els Àngels, keeping your heart rate steady and upper body relaxed.
- In the Sea: Draw on principles from freediving to use ocean immersion, conscious breathing, and water relaxation to soothe muscles and clear mental fatigue.
- Off the Bike: Unwind with post-ride parasympathetic sessions designed to clear metabolic waste, enhance recovery, and promote deep, restorative sleep.
Gastronomy & Local Culture
Both regions offer incredible off-bike experiences rooted in authentic local traditions:
- Sardinia: Savor traditional culurgiones pasta, fresh local seafood, crisp Vermentino wine, and rich island history.
- Catalonia: Enjoy artisanal inspired local traditional restaurants, wine delights from the Empordà region, and vibrant mediaeval arts and culture.
Choose Your 2027 Journey
- 🚴 Option A: Sardinia Road Cycling Tour (9 Days / 8 Nights) | Olbia to Alghero & Capo Caccia (Budget circa 4400 € p.p.)
- 🚴 Option B: Girona & Costa Brava Road + Light Gravel (8 Days / 7 Nights) | 70/30 Mixed Terrain Intro (Budget circa 3000 € p.p.)
- 🚴 Option C: The Grand Mediterranean Combo (17 Tour Days) | Sardinia Road + Girona Light Gravel
Fully Supported Boutique Cycling Tours
- 🫁 Includes: Boutique Accommodation, Meals & Wine Pairings, On Road Support Vehicle, Guided Breathwork Coaching
- 👥 Group Size: Intimate group capacity to ensure a more personalised travelling experience.
- Optional: Bring your own bike, or choose to rent one for the trip (Indicative pricing 400-500 €), Single Supplement available (Budget circa 600 € p.p.).
- Not Included: Airfares or pre / post tour accommodation and transfers.
Ready to Ride Outside the Lines?
Whether you want to build confidence on mixed terrain, refine your riding efficiency through breathwork, or simply enjoy world-class cycling and European hospitality, I would love to share this journey with you.
Group sizes will be kept strictly limited to ensure an intimate, high-touch experience with full vehicle support.
📩 [ Click here to express your interest for May 2027 and lock in early details ]
Have questions about bike setup, combining both tours, or incorporating breathwork into your riding? Drop a comment below or reply directly to this post—I’d love to chat!
— Living breath by breath in fluid movement outdoors.
Enhance Your Breathing Today
To enhance your breathing functionality and capacity, here are a few suggestions for ways to develop more easily right away:
1: Oxygen Advantage Online Breathing Course – (Link to Official Course Page)
2. Follow guided exercises for improved sleep, managing stress and anxiety via the OA App. (Link to Official App)
3. Join a 1-on-1 coaching session with me to savour the immersion into deeper presence. (Link to 1:1 Coaching Session)
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