Ride the roads of cycling champions in Maremma

Although it’s taken place for many years, the Granfondo Massimiliano Lelli was an unmissable event for those who love cycling in southern Tuscany. It took place in Grosseto province, in particular in Manciano municipality, where the beloved former pro was born. This two-day itinerary offers plenty of ups and downs and hairpin bends.

This ride is a feast for your eyes. You ride through the typical landscape of the Grosseto Maremma, which has lots of little gems, as well as good infrastructure. The church of San Martino sul Fiora, Pereta hamlet and Scansano and Capalbio villages are wonderful places to visit.

You need to be fit to take on this ride. The gradients reach double figures many times; the first day is really steep. Leading mostly on asphalt, with only one short stretch on concrete, the route is suitable for road bikes. There are plenty of points to refuel with food and water, rest and sleep. I’d recommend travelling light rather than bringing your bikepacking bags.

Staying in the beautiful village of Scansano is ideal. Known for the red wine that’s produced in the surrounding countryside, you can reach the village via two provincial roads – the Maremmana and the Scansanese. I recommend tackling the route in any season except the scorching summer. August is really hot here. You’re far from the sea here so you don’t have the chance to take a refreshing dip.

The second largest municipality in the province of Grosseto after the capital, Manciano is a true paradise for cyclists. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Pantani and other pros, and try these roads for yourself.