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The history of the Eddy Merckx Monument, located in Roccamorice on the ramps leading to the Blockhaus, is a tale that inextricably links the Belgian champion to the Maiella massif, celebrating both sporting glory and human generosity. Its roots lie in a day that changed the history of mountain cycling: a stage of the 1970 Giro d'Italia, the first time the Giro challenged the summit of the Blockhaus. On that occasion, a young Merckx—soon known as the "Cannibal"—accomplished a momentous feat, outlasting all his opponents and securing a victory that became legendary. But it was a gesture that followed the victory that cemented the community's affection: it is said that Merckx, immediately after his triumph, donated the prize money to charity. To honor this dual legacy, sporting and moral, and in anticipation of the centennial of the Giro d'Italia, the municipality of Roccamorice promoted the erection of a monument. The work was created by local craftsman Franco Aceto and sculpted from the typical white Maiella stone, and was inaugurated on May 13, 2017. Since then, the monument has become a landmark and a true cycling sanctuary for all who tackle the climb, a tangible symbol of the strength, history, and altruism that have transformed the Blockhaus into a timeless legend.

It lacks nothing to be compared to many of the great Alpine climbs, 8% average for 19.6 from Roccamorice, the hardest and most panoramic side

The Tratturo Magno passed through the Forca di Penne pass to descend towards the hills of the nearby province of Pescara and reach the Adriatic coast.

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The Forca di Penne area is a road pass located at an altitude of approximately 900 metres. Here there is a farm, a few scattered houses and the ruins of an ancient tower to remind us of the strategic importance of the pass. On good days, looking east you can see the Adriatic Sea, while to the west the view opens onto the Sirente-Velino massif. Various dirt paths start from here which lead to the peaks of Monte Picca, Monte Rotondo and Monte Alto. In the southernmost part of the Gran Sasso massif.

The seafront of Francavilla al Mare is perfect for walking and finding refreshment in one of the many restaurants present. The beach is eight kilometers long and is characterized by golden sand. During the Second World War, the city was totally destroyed, and therefore the city you see today is quite modern. It is the departure or arrival for the Costa dei Trabocchi cycle path, now a well-known destination in the world of cycling and cycle tourism.

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Valley of the Holy Spirit. Roads for tourist bicycles, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Hiking trails, climbing walls and historic sites. Caves, forests, streams and rivers. Areas where you can still enjoy solitude and nature that lures us with its peace, naturalness, remoteness...