Many people who take part in this type of challenge are not regular cyclists, so it's imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training before the challenge. 

We'll send you a comprehensive guide to training when you register, which builds up gradually as the start date gets closer.

Cycle Milan to Venice 2023 is a perfect motivation to get fit, make amazing new friends and have an experience of a lifetime.

You'll probably also be pleased to hear that the route isn't very hilly. As you can see from this route map (subject to change), it is mostly flat, despite riding up to the lakes with views of the mountains.

You'll probably be pleased to hear that the route isn't very hilly. As you can see from this route map (subject to change), it is mostly flat, despite riding up to the lakes with views of the mountains.

Please don't be! The majority of people will sign up on their own and our Dream Challenges are renowned for the incomparable camaraderie and lifelong friendships made as our groups take on these incredible feats together.

Once you've signed up for the challenge, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group for everyone registered for Cycle Milan to Venice 2023.

Please feel free to use this space to swap questions, advice and updates with your fellow cyclists on your training and fundraising.

You may also want to reach out to the fellow participants in this group to see if there's anyone in your local area you can meet up to train and fundraise with.

Absolutely not! One of the amazing things about the challenge is that people of all ages will come together to do something very special. Everyone who is at least 18 years old by the challenge date is more than welcome to join the ride.

16 and 17-year olds may participate if given permission by Dream Challenges. Please get in touch with us to discuss this. Simply email events@dream-challenges.com and we'll be happy to help.

No, your main luggage will be transported each day by our support team. Each participant however will be organising their own flight to and from Italy, so you'll be responsible for your own luggage on the plane and your journey to the hotel.

We advise you to pack light and you'll also need a small bag to go on your bike or a waist bag for things like your camera, sun cream, tissues etc.

Any extra items you may need during the day can be carried on the support vehicle, which you will have access to at the snack stops and lunch.

A cycle helmet is essential and must be worn at all times. Cycling shorts are also recommended and everyone will need their own water bottles or a camel back-type hydration system. Apart from that, no specialist equipment is required.

We will supply you with a list of everything you will need to take before you go. Cyclists will have the use of 18 or 21-gear bikes and we suggest you bring the saddle or gel cover you are used to riding on.

We provide you with very good 18 or 21-gear bikes for this challenge and we suggest you bring the saddle or gel cover you are used to riding on. 

Yes of course! As you are responsible for organising your own flights to and from Italy, it is completely up to you which dates you book them for (as long as they give enough time for you to take part in the full challenge).

You need to arrive at our first hotel on Day 1 to say hello to our Dream Challenges team and get a good rest. We meet as a group for the first time the next morning for breakfast and our challenge briefing. We’ll send you details and directions closer to the time.

Your registration fee of £199 per person is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.

Your challenge costs of £1,150 (ie. 50% of the fundraising target if you choose sponsorship) cover:

• Meals food throughout your challenge, except for dinner on Day 1 and your lunch and dinner on Day 5.
• Accommodation.
• Bike hire.
• All transfers in Italy.
• A team of awesome, outdoor remote first aid trained local guides and Dream Challenges staff.
• Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your challenge.
• Medical support, including a UK doctor with expedition medicine training, who will accompany us throughout the challenge.
• Mechanical support.
• Your Cycle Milan to Venice 2023 medal and t-shirt.

In addition to paying your registration fee and either self funding the challenge costs or fundraising the minimum sponsorship target, you will need to budget for your:

• Flights to and from Italy - these will not be included, so you need to arrange and pay for these yourself.
• Personal travel insurance to cover your challenge.
• Dinner on Day 1.
• Lunch and dinner on Day 5. 
• Gratuities.
• Personal expenses.

You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation.

We have found an insurance policy provider that covers you for this and also covers you for cancellation due to medically-diagnosed COVID-19. We will send you the details once you register for the challenge.

Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate cover for your challenge.

Currently, UK citizens do not require a visa for Italy, but we'll let you know if this changes before the challenge in 2023.

The Dream Challenges team is here to help you achieve your challenge and we will support you all the way.

We are on hand from the minute you sign up to answer any questions that you may have about your training or the challenge itself.

Once you have registered, we will send you a realistic training plan to help you get fit for the challenge. The programme builds up gradually as the event gets closer.

We'll have a UK doctor with expedition medicine training accompanying the group from the get-go and at all times throughout the challenge, along with a team of experienced challenge guides and porters.

We’ll have an event leader and a group of first-aid trained challenge guides, plus a UK doctor with expedition medicine training, who will be with you the whole time.

As we're not medically trained, we're afraid we can't offer you advice on this. We recommend you contact your GP or your local travel clinic, who will have the latest travel health advice.

We also recommend you visit the NHS Fit for Travel website here, to keep up to date with current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home