MARCHE

A fascinating territory of hills that slope gradually down to a sun-drenched blue sea, immersed in greenery alternating with fields of sunflowers, maize and barley and sprinkled with hilltop castles and forts.

Pedalling along these slopes is the best way to discover the Marche region, its beautiful landscapes and artistic treasures offered with naturalness to visitors, making every ride a pleasant and exciting adventure.

The towns and villages, often built on hills, still conserve ancient atmospheres, and are perfect for enjoyable stops to savour gourmet specialities, to admire a monument or to visit an old church.
Frequently during the year, old traditions are revived with a multitude of exhibitions, events and popular street festivals.

Cycling has firm roots in the Marche, and many events that attract hundreds of Italian and foreign cyclists are held here.

The season opens each year in April with the “International Touring Cycling Week” at Gabicce, a great occasion for all enthusiasts, who can explore different routes every day.

Other important road events bring life to the quiet country roads of the Marche’s magnificent landscapes, such as those held in the Sibillini Mountains starting from Camerino, the Straducale event at Urbino, the Conero Race starting from Loreto, and the City of Pesaro Race.

From Gabicce, where a hill forms a natural balcony overlooking the sea, a good road to follow is the panoramic route that leads down to Pesaro, some 20 kilometres offering breathtaking views over the Mount San Bartolo Nature Park, a protected area with many natural attractions.

Further inland is Gradara, where the castle that was the scene of the love story of Paolo and Francesca can still be admired. From here the road climbs towards the towns of the Montefeltro area, with Urbino, a former city-state rich in art, history and culture, Urbania, another example of the splendour of the Italian Renaissance, and San Leo, with its imposing fortress where the infamous Count Cagliostro was imprisoned and died.