Pedalling round the most famous bends in the world
In the hinterland of the Etruscan Coast: from Montescudaio to Campiglia Marittima along spectacular roads linking tasting, history and breathtaking views.
The roads that wind through inland villages and their landscapes are a paradise for cyclists and road bike lovers. The Etruscan Coast also offers dream itineraries to those who prefer the slower pace of a bike ride as well as sports enthusiasts. Hairpin bends accompany cyclists along beautiful roads through the peaceful countryside and villages, which offer places to stop and admire the colourful landscape stretching towards to coast in the distance. The roads from Suvereto to Campiglia Marittima and Montescudaio to Sassetta, passing through Bibbona, Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, are some of the most celebrated in the world.
The hinterland of the Etruscan Coast offers spectacular winding terrain such as the road from the “Città del Pane e Città del Vino”, Montescudaio, from whose castle walls the view extends towards the islands in Tyrrhenian Sea. After 2.5 km, the road arrives in the hillside village of Guardistallo, from where you can admire the green sea of olive trees. Continuing downhill, you reach Casale Marittimo, where you can encounter art and history and where the remains of the castle are still visible as part of the fabric of this typical medieval village. Continuing towards Castagneto Carducci you can turn towards Bolgheri. Arriving, with some challenging climbs and thrilling descents, in this part of Tuscany famed for its wine, including Bolgheri, of course, the itinerary meets the beautiful sight of the avenue of cypress trees, “Viale dei Cipressi”, leading to the small hamlet and passing by the Oratory of San Guido, made famous by Giosuè Carducci in his ode “Davanti San Guido”.
The village is also the backdrop for the cycle race, Etrusca Ciclostorica, for pre-1987, vintage bicycles. The race is usually held in April, when the spring sun gives spectators the opportunity to enjoy unique atmosphere of the landscape and savour the local produce. The itinerary continues downhill through the delightful medieval village and ideal pit stop of Castagneto Carducci, with its great food and wine tradition, and onwards to Sassetta, famous for its trekking routes and especially for its thermal waters that have been renowned since Etruscan times.
Continuing south, the breathtakingly winding road through beautiful scenery leads to Suvereto. As many as 99 exciting bends separate Sassetta from Suvereto, hence the name of the non-competitive cycling event, the 99curve. An event for all enthusiasts, this Vintage Race for classic bicycles takes place along two routes, 90 km and 50 km, on asphalt and dirt tracks along the coast and through the hinterland and villages. The itinerary takes in the fascinating Etruscan Necropolis of the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia and Archaeological-Mining Park of San Silvestro.
After visiting the old town of Suvereto, with its fortress, Rocca Aldobrandesca, overlooking the entire village, other routes descend towards Campiglia Marittima, passing through nearby Cafaggio, amid the green countryside with the blue sea in the distance. In the heart of the Val di Cornia, one bend follows another, as does the fun for bike lovers. The beauty of the roads – which can be explored thanks to an interactive system of maps and itineraries – through wonderful vineyards and old villages and alternating the typical landscapes of the Tuscan hills with marvellous views of the blue sea also offer the possibility of combining trips and tastings of local produce.
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