Every year thousands of cyclists participate in the classic Gran Fondo, a cycling tourism race. Both professional athletes and cycling enthusiasts, from all over Europe, meet up along the streets of the Romagna Apennines to pedal for 210 kilometers over nine hills with a maximum incline of 18% on the legendary Barbotto.
This racing route, which also has a 130 km alternative version for "lazy" amateur cyclists, is dotted with beautiful landscapes and towns great for training or bicycle outings during the whole year.
As is the tradition, there will be nine food stands along the route, where participants can get back their strength with traditional products, including fresh pasta dishes and gluten free foods.
The "Nove Colli", or nine hills, has also given rise to a series of very interesting events which will enliven this weekend dedicated to cycling, both for those participating in the race as well as for those who have come along just to see it. You can get a little tan and try out some great seafood dishes.
A whole weekend dedicated to bicycling with a packed calendar of events is what makes Gran Fondo so special. Also for the 2024 edition the international participation will be high with 10,000 athletes from over 40 different countries.
LONG ROUTE - 210 km, change in sea level 3840 m – maximum time 12 hours
SHORT ROUTE - 130 km, crossing four hills, 1871 m – maximum time 7.5 hours
ADDITIONAL ROUTE- Length: 60 km, altitude difference 650 m
There is also a new path this year: the 'Additional route'.
The start will be in Cesenatico, then towards Sala before reaching Santangelo and Gatteo and arriving in Savignano sul Rubicone, ending up in front of Ribano Castle. The cyclists will meet a bit of a climb while enjoying the view, before reaching Borghi and continuing on to Sogliano, where there will be a refreshment stop with local products.
From here, the participants will face the the Cioca descent with the 18 hairpin bends that have made it known to all as the "Little Stelvio". Once across the Rubicone river, the return home will begin, passing again through Savignano before Gatteo, Fiumicino and the arrival in Cesenatico on the same finish line of the classic Nove Colli.
