Emilia Romagna is famous throughout the world as one of Italy's most hospitable regions, with its sea and its nature, offering cycling enthusiasts a variety of terrain that ranges from verdant plains to gently rolling hills and the mountains of the Apennines with exciting gradients that make this region a paradise for touring cyclists. With its wealth of traditions, Emilia Romagna is also a notable region of art and monuments, and pedalling amid castles and fortresses along medieval roads immersed in a dreamlike atmosphere is indeed a rare pleasure.
From Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica, cyclists can set out for rides through the countryside of Romagna and the Marche. In just five minutes the Malatesta Hills are waiting, with a territory rich in uphill and downhill gradients that offers cyclists new and unexpected panoramas. More experienced bikers can reach nearby Tuscany, or attempt the 1423-metre climb to the monument on Mount Carpegna. Other excellent destinations suitable for all capacities are Urbino, San Leo, San Marino, Verucchio and Gradara.
A little further north we find Bellaria, Gatteo a Mare and Cesenatico, the home of Marco Pantani. Polenta, Ciola and Barbotto are some of the best hills to be climbed locally, making the "Nove Colli" road race famous throughout the world. This event, together with Cervia's "Via del Sale" race, the Agolanti Road Race and Riccone's Coppi-Bartali Race attract thousands of road cyclists every year.
Riolo and Salsomaggiore Terme combine Apennine landscapes rich in road and mountain bike routes with health and well-being, thanks to Italy's most renowned spa centres. Among the finest routes are the paths of Mount Mauro and Mount Battaglia, and the Stirone Regional River Park.
An authentic love for fine cuisine and traditions ensure that Emilia Romagna is celebrated for its piada bread and home-made pasta. Visitors should not miss tagliatelle noodles with boletus mushrooms and stuffed ravioli with truffles, mature "fossa" cheese and the olive oil of Rimini's hills, excellently accompanied by the local Sangiovese and Albana di Romagna wines.
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