ANDORA
Giacomo Dodino has already back on to the track and this time he takes us to Andora, a town between Alassio and Diano Marina. The goal are some of the funniest trails of the last edition of the Andora Bike Race, organized by the cycling champion and now technical commissioner of the national XC team, Mirko Celestino, who will join our MTB expert.
But he is not the only one, also Rachele Riolfo is going to join Giacomo. Just last year the two bikers have been to the Laguna Beach trails in California. Laguna Beach is also famous for the long gravel roads and single tracks with sea view, a perfect mix of Cross Country and All-Mountain.
So let’s start this exciting adventure.
THE TOUR
The first thing that amazes of Andora are the waves and the beautiful sea, in fact it is an excellent location for sea sports. In this Liguria is unique: it brings together land and sea in little space, allowing adrenaline activities such as MTB and surfing.
Before starting to ride our athletes take a break at the famous Cele Bar, where cycling is more than just a passion.
Mirko Celestino is waiting for them, explaining how to reach the best trails in the area.
And finally we start our tour!
We climb along the provincial road towards Micheri. After a while the road becomes a gravel road and continuing on this road we reach the top. We are on the ridge between Laigueglia and Andora where the first trail called DH Laigueglia starts: It is a Californian style trail. Then we go down until we reach the second trail, Castello, which leads back to Andora. From there, crossing an ancient Roman bridge, we move towards Ponente where we climb in the direction of Conna. This is the longest climb but easy. Soon we see the snow-capped mountains and the landscape changes vegetation. The top is 600 meters above sea level.
It was worth it because now a very unique trail starts, the Tecci, which goes down steeply up to Andora.
TOUR DETAILS
All-mountain.
The three main trails of the Andora Bike Race are covered.
Total length: 30 km
Difference in level: 900 mt
Duration: 3 hours
THE TRAILS
DH LAIGUEGLIA
It seems to be really in Laguna Beach, California.
Here the trails are ridden mostly with XC bikes, but with an All-mountain/Enduro bike it really seems to ride a Californian descent overlooking the sea.
IL CASTELLO
From Micheri it goes down to Andora, passing through the ancient Castle from which it takes its name. The trail has sections of rock mixed to the shores in the ground, definitely in an Enduro style.
I TECCI
It is also called “Miniera” and it is the most famous trail in the area.
It starts from the top of Conna, at about 650 meters above sea level and it is a single track until the sea, not far from the downtown of Andora.
The trail has sections of undergrowth, with shores, drops and rocks. Any rider, regardless of his abilities, can have fun along this exciting trail.
Here is the list of Andora’s accommodations where you can stay: http://www.residenceliguria.com/it/Localita/Details/andora.
