Romagna has produced some of cycling's greatest champions. Marco Pantani — still the last man to win both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in the same year — learned to climb on the roads above Cesenatico and Faenza that form the backbone of the Racing Tour Italy. These are roads with history in the tarmac: roads that have been raced over for a century, that feature in the Nove Colli and dozens of other classics, and that remain among the finest cycling terrain in Europe.
The Roads: Classics of Italian Cycling
The Racing Tour uses roads that are genuinely challenging. Climbs like the Barbotto, the Pedrona and the Gorolo are not famous outside cycling circles, but among riders who have done the Nove Colli they need no introduction. Long sustained climbs with gradients between 6% and 12%, ridge roads with views over the Po Plain, and technical descents that reward commitment — this is what the tour is built on.
Daily distances run from 90 to 130 km with 1,500 to 2,500 metres of elevation gain. This is a challenging tour designed for cyclists who ride regularly and who want to be tested. E-bike option is not available on this tour — it is road bike territory.
Support and Logistics
The Racing Tour operates with full professional support: a follow vehicle carries luggage, carries spare parts and wheels, and provides neutral service in the event of mechanical problems. The guide rides with the group and knows every climb on the route. Accommodation is in hotels chosen for their ability to feed hungry cyclists well — substantial dinners, proper breakfasts, and packed lunches that are actually worth eating.
Group size is kept small — maximum 8 riders — to maintain the quality of the experience and ensure that the pace can be managed sensibly. Private tours for smaller groups are also available.
Season and Requirements
The Racing Tour runs from April to October, with May, June and September being the optimal months. A road bike in good mechanical condition is required — rental road bikes are available if needed. Riders should be able to sustain 80+ km per day in hilly terrain before joining this tour. If you are unsure whether your fitness level is appropriate, contact us for a brief assessment conversation.
Ready to ride the roads of Italian cycling history? Get in touch.