Following in the footsteps of ‘Il Pirata’

This is a great area for fans of cycling, a diverse landscape that combines the flatlands of the Adriatic Riviera with hillier areas that offer some testing ascents. The climbs are steep and merciless, the first uphill section you encounter after riding across the plains will slow you down immediately and get your legs burning until you find your rhythm. It was here, in the east of Emilia Romagna and the Marche region, where you used to see Marco Pantani training, the great rider known for his incredible solitary escapes and many victories.

His power, perseverance, and competitive spirit are still etched in our memories; no one will ever forget him and the way he would challenge riders to “come with me, if you are strong enough”. You can ride the same roads as Pantani, with routes to suit your fitness and requirements.

Here are four tours, including one for triathletes wanting to train for the Ironman held in Cervia in September: the Bertinoro Tour, a route from Cervia to Bertinoro hill through the colourful landscape of Romagna; Malatesta tour, a route exploring Mediaeval Romagna, combining castles and panoramic views of hills and the sea; Terre del Triathlon, a route that begins in Cervia and retraces the roads used in the Italian Ironman event; Granfondo Via del Sale, from Cervia to the hills of Cesena and Forlì.

If you want to explore this land by bike, from the coast to the hills, then simply select your preferred route and book your holiday on the Adriatic Riviera.