For years, Outfitter Bicycle Tours has been synonymous with the legendary climbs and breathtaking landscapes of the cycling Grand Tours. But we are shifting (or adding) gears. We are thrilled to officially announce the addition of Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix Spectator Tour to our lineup, a move that brings together the two greatest passions of our founder, Jamie Gilpin.
Recapping a Successful 2025 Debut
In May 2025, we operated our Giro d’Italia & Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Tour, and the results were spectacular. This adventure allowed our guests to conquer epic Italian climbs and head trackside to witness high-speed Formula 1 action at Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Building on that success, we are now turning our focus toward the ultimate high-speed destination: the Italian Grand Prix. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the fastest track on the F1 calendar. It has hosted the Italian Grand Prix since 1922 and became its official home in 1950. For fans, witnessing the Ferrari-loving tifosi at Monza is the experience of a lifetime.
Why F1 and Pro Cycling? The Ultimate Crossover
The crossover between pro cycling and F1 fans is massive, driven by a shared appreciation for elite performance, technical excellence, and cultural richness.
- Engineering Marvels: Just as F1 cars are aerodynamically optimized masterpieces, the bikes of the professional peloton are the “Formula One cars of cycling”, tuned for terrain and wind-tunnel tested to make every pedal stroke count.
- Tactical Warfare: Both disciplines rely on high-stakes strategy. Team tactics in road cycling are just as crucial as the pit wall politics in F1. Just as F1 teams monitor telemetry, cyclists track their performance data like heart rate and power in real-time.
- The Spirit of the Fans: Spectating at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza carries the same cultural weight as lining a brutal mountain pass in the Alps or Pyrenees during the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia. Whether it’s the roar of an engine or the rush of the peloton, both sports are fueled by a dedicated fanbase who turn every race into a national festival.
- A “Slow-Food” Approach to Fast Racing: Traveling for these events is an invitation to savor the culture. Our tours integrate “slow-food” experiences into the fast-paced race weekend:
- The Culinary Heart of Italy: Near the Monza circuit, you can explore the flavors of Lombardy or take a short trip to the Motor Valley for Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, and private pasta-making classes.
- Tapas and Tradition in Spain: For our Vuelta a España tours, we explore historic taverns and sample authentic Iberian specialties.
- Belgian Heritage in Spa: At the Belgian Grand Prix, the experience includes visiting 19th-century microbreweries to enjoy local white beers.
- French Riviera Luxury: The Monaco Grand Prix provides access to world-class dining and intimate cheese tastings where regional varieties are paired with fine Côte du Rhône French wines.
Looking Ahead to 2026 – The Italian Grand Prix
Registration is already open for our 2026 Italian Grand Prix Tour, which combines the craftsmanship and culture of Modena and Monza with the thrill of Formula 1. We are also offering the 2026 Vuelta a España Tour, following the final week of the race through Andalusia and finishing in Granada.
Whether you are a serious climber or a lifelong F1 fanatic, our new motorsports-integrated tours offer a level of adrenaline you won’t find anywhere else. Come join us as we chase the podium on both two wheels and four.
Lifelong Need for Speed
While many of you know Jamie as the man turning the wheels of our operations today, his love for motorsports predates his discovery of cycling. Jamie has been an F1 fan since he was a child, and his personal history is filled with a lifelong dedication to the sport; from participating in endurance racing events like the “24 Hours of Lemons” to sim-racing events, and visiting legendary circuits like Mugello, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, Sears Point, and many more. Developing a professional business concept for Motorsports Tours was the natural next step in marrying his business background with a lifelong passion.
