What does the challenge entail?
Basically, it involves completing the three Grand Tours of road cycling in a self-sufficiency mode.
We have to go back to the early 20th century, when their first editions took place, to recapture the adventurous spirit of cycling so different from todays. Igare aims to emulate those epic stages: stages of over 300 kilometers undertaken almost without assistance, where each cyclist had to resolve any issues encountered along the way while managing their own stops and nutrition.
Details
Official Routes Plus Transfers
A unique route has been designed, following the official stages and connecting them, creating a journey that will be completed entirely by bicycle. The only exception will be the use of a ferry to cross from Albania to Italy during the Giro; the rest of the route will be completed solely by his own effort.
COMING SOON
Duration and Planning
It is planned to start one day before the official start of each event.
If there are no setbacks, the aim is to arrive at the capital of each organizing country a few days before the event concludes.
COMING SOON
Live 24h Tracking
Thanks to Follow My Challenge, you can stay informed at all times about my location, the route I’ve covered so far, what remains, and even how much I’ve slept…
AVAILABLE
DURING THE EVENTS
Giro d'Italia
First part of the challenge completed!
Started in Durazzo (Albania) on 08/05/2025 and ended in Roma on 01/06/2025
5.900Km / 64.000 D+
Tour de Francia
The second part of the challenge will begin in Lille Métropole (France) on 04/07/2025:
La Vuelta
The final part of the challenge will begin in Turin (Italy) on 22/08/2025:
In Benefit of DEBRA Butterfly Skin
This challenge not only aims to raise awareness about ‘Butterfly Skin’ disease but also to raise funds for the DEBRA Butterfly Skin association, which supports affected families and promotes research to find a cure.
What does IGARE mean?
“Igare” is a word from Rwanda, a country that I carry in my heart. In Kinyarwanda, one of its official languages, igare means bicycle.
In 2020, just before the pandemic began, I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda—a country where the bicycle is much more than just a means of transport; it is a way of life. It is used as a taxi, to carry goods, and as the primary mode of transportation.
Fate had it that Ritchey, one of the collaborators of the IGARE project, has a special connection with Rwanda through its founder, Tom Ritchey. In the mid-2000s, Tom led a charitable project that promoted the use of bicycles for coffee transportation, which later contributed to the creation of Rwanda’s national cycling team. In many African countries, cycling teams are often made up of members of the national teams.
If you’d like to learn more about this story, I recommend reading “The Land of Second Chances” by Tim Lewis.
My trip to Rwanda was a life-changing experience, allowing me to meet incredible people with whom I have built lasting friendships. That’s why such a meaningful project deserved a name with a deep significance. IGARE is a beautiful word that embodies the spirit of this challenge and holds a very special place in my heart.
