Currently we are working hard to design the most suitable route for you. The given routes, locations and distances show the current planning and are subject to change in the coming months. The final tracks will be available approx. 6 weeks prior to the tour start
Itinerary
Day 1: Pisa — Lucca
From the GBI hotel we first cycle together to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where the tour starts officially and the obligatory team photo can be taken. It's mostly flat on our way towards the coast and we pass the well-known town of Viareggio. The fine sandy beaches on the Costa Versilia invite you to plunge into the sea. We pedal a little further towards Carrara, where the famous marble quarries can be seen in the nearby mountains. When we turn away from the coast, the back country becomes increasingly hilly. Behind Camaiore we cross the foothills of the Apuan Alps and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains and the coastal landscape. At the end of the day, the provincial capital Lucca is ideal for an extensive sightseeing before we may cycle on the completely preserved city walls and reach our accommodation.
On the second half of the stage Track 2 detours twice from the regular track, with only a few more kilometers, but with doubling the climb.
Day 2: Lucca — Florence
We leave Lucca to the east and reach Altipascio on minor streets. We head towards Vinci, the home of Leonardo da Vinci, whose birth house we pass later in the hills. In Empoli we meet the Arno River, which we accompany for a while. But in Montelupo Fiorentino we leave the river valley and climb a range of hills before we can see Florence in the distance. After passing the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, our route leads out of the city. Here the final and really fierce climb leads us to todays destination.
The Track 2 riders climb the highest point of the tour at an altitude of 800 m shortly after the start.
Day 3: Florence — San Gimignano
Today we pedal through the Chianti country. The hilly landscape goes to the heart and into the legs! Along the way we see vineyards as far as the eye can see. In Greve you can enjoy an espresso on the beautiful market square. We reach the hilltop village of Castellina in Chianti, and descent to Colle di Val d'Elsa, where we can explore the little village on a rock. Our stage destination is only 10 km away at San Gimignano, which is known for its medieval towers.
In Greve Track 2 turns towards Lucolena in Chianti and crosses the highest mountain pass of the Chianti area, the Vallico del Morellino. Our journey leads us to Radda, Castellina and further on to the beautiful hilltop village of Monteriggioni with its fully preserved city walls. At Colle di Val d'Elsa we meet Track 1 again.
Day 4: San Gimignano — Pisa
After we left San Gimignano we have to climb for 15 km, before we descent via Gambassi Terme to Castelfiorentino. There is a final climb up to San Miniato high above the Arno valley, which we follow to our tour destination in Pisa.
Track 2 enjoys the hilly landscape a little longer before reaching the Arno valley at Pontedera.
The tracks of the different stages differ in general regarding their length and the climb as well as the surface.
A detailed description can be found here:
Track 1
Recommended for all kinds of bikes including road bikes. Only paved roads on the track. Shorter and less challenging than track 2.
Track 2
Recommended in particular for road bikes, the distance is longer and more climbs than on track 1.
