Dalaglio Flintoff. 2012 cycle slam

This epic journey will start at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia, on the Peloponnese peninsula of western Greece. From where, once stood the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the riders will head north through mountainous vistas and ruins steeped in classical antiquity.

Reaching the mainland across the Rio-Antirio bridge, the direction north passes the lakes of Amvrakia and Ozeros, then west below the Ambracian Gulf. A mile east of the road tunnel that crosses to Preveza, lies the Cape of Actium where in 31BC, Octavian’s forces defeated those of Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra.

For much of the road to the ancient port of Igoumenitsa, the riders can take in glorious views of the Ionian coastline over their left shoulder. Then, tired legs can enjoy a brief respite on the overnight ferry across the Adriatic to Brindisi. The final push to Bari is comparatively relaxed, passing through the Apulia region, famous for the “Trullo” - a traditional dry stone hut with a conical roof.

Stage Key Features

• Ancient Olympia (home to the Games)
• The Adriatic coastal route, beaches and resorts
• Trulli (traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof) in Southern Italy
• Overnight ferry journey, a chance to relax with Lawrence, Freddy and the core team.