CONTENTS &
CONTRIBUTORS
04
WHITE ROADS
The Tuscan dirt roads have inspired the race that opens the professional cycling season and the legendary routes in which a “heroic” style of cycling returns to life.
10
MURETTI MADNESS
During Muretti Madness you only do two things, again and again: you climb up and you go down. A crazy route of the steepest short climbs around Florence, one after the other, again and again.
12
TUSCANY TRAIL
Biking through Tuscany following a 600 km route, encountering enchanted forests and age-old historic centers. The travel diary of an MTB and gravel bike journey throughout the heart of Tuscany.
20
TEAM PRO IN RESIDENCE
Tuscany is the preferred retreat destination for many professional teams from around the world. In Lucca, the African team has collected 5 victories in the Tour de France.
22
VIA FRANCIGENA
A Beautiful cycling trip along the pilgrims Via Francigena. An adventure immersed in Tuscany’s history and nature. An ancient route that extends for 400 km, crossing through villages and historic cities.
28
CYCLING SEASON
The full and comprehensive list of Tuscany’s cycling events: professional and amateur. Asphalt or dirt roads, road or mountain bikes, gravel or fixed-gear bikes, the cycling season is ready to kick off.
32
CYCLING MAP
An illustrated map of Tuscany, land of cycling. A selection of the stories and events of the Tuscany Cycling Season.
34
ENDURO DISTRICT
Maremma rediscovers itself as a homeland of enduro, so much so that it draws competitions and champions from all over the world, attracted by the good lifestyle offered by the Mediterranean coast.
38
THE ETRUSCAN COAST
Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and nature reserves that cover more than 20% of the landscape. There’s no better way to discover this area than by bike – all year round.
40
APENNINE ROUTES
To pedal along an Apennine ridge. An ultra-trail where the dark side of the Apennines emerges and runs along the far border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.
40
MUGELLO BY BIKE
A unique natural landscape with plenty of uphills and worthy mountain routes for all kinds of cyclists, from pros to tourists.
- Stefano Mazzotti
Hiking guide and cycling traveler. As part of a project carried out by sloWays, he placed signage along the entire CicloVia Francigena, starting from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome.
- Filippo Cauz
He might not be much of a cyclist but he’s been following the sport since the early Nineties, telling its stories in several publications. He is one of the founders of the “Bidon – ciclismo allo stato liquido” project and a member of the Vigorelli Velodrome Committee.
- Marcello Corazza
A biologist with a passion for cycling and hang gliding. Always in close contact with nature, he also love to photograph his adventures.
- Elena Martinello
She simply rides a bicycle… She writes and narrates the female side of the cycling world, encouraging other women to share her passion. Photographer and traveler in search of emotions that enrich her way of seeing things.
- Tommaso Castelli
Founder of Andare a Zonzo, he is a hiking guide who loves to share his passion for travelling by organizing hikes that spark energy among people.
- Giorgio Fratini
Illustrator, graphic artist and cartoonist, he lives and works in Florence. He owns a signed picture of Gino Bartali, but mainly moves around in his car.
- Tornanti.cc
A project born out of Francesco and Eloise’s passion for cycling and photography. Through their images, they tell the stories of adventures and competitions, from the Giro to fixed-gear criteriums. They work for both editorial and commercial clients.
- Daniele Bettazzi
Mountain bike enthusiast and photographer since his teenage years, he’s always been passionate about mountains and spends most of his free time in the pursuit of freedom in his Alps.
- Yari Ghidone
Cycling traveler for over twenty years anda freelance sports photographer. He has rediscovered his passion for photography that he put on the back burner in the Nineties.