Explore Italy’s Premier Cycling Adventures with Tips from a Champion

Cycling in Italy is like riding in a dream, thanks to the country’s world-famous art, food, and ancient sites. Immersed in its vibrant cities and renowned culinary scene, the country unveils a myriad of breathtaking landscapes that are an absolute paradise for avid bikers. Italy’s cycling trails offer breathtaking adventures, with landscapes ranging from rolling hills to rugged mountains. Alberto Bettiol, the esteemed Italian road cyclist, who rides for the UCI WorldTeam EF Education–EasyPost and hails from Tuscany, graciously reveals his most cherished biking adventures in Italy’s premier cycling spots.

Tuscany, Val d’Orcia
Tuscany, with its stunning landscapes and charming villages, is a cyclist’s dream. Alberto Bettiol’s top recommendation is the Val d’Orcia region. This area, known for its strade bianche (white gravel roads), provides picturesque cycling routes through the rolling hills and medieval towns of Tuscany.

The ride starts in Siena, which is known for the Palio horse race, and goes south through the Val d’Orcia valley. This is where you’ll find Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. Each one has its specialties and things to do. The wine from Montalcino is called Brunello, and the cheese from Pienza is called Pecorino di Pienza. Both go well with the wines from the area. Bettiol says to taste the local wine at the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona winery in Montalcino. It takes anywhere from a few hours to a whole weekend to ride through Val d’Orcia. Bettiol suggests stopping at an Airbnb or agritourism property where you can eat homemade food made by locals, which will make your trip more enjoyable.

Rome’s Urban Cycling Vibes
For a change of pace, you could ride a bike through Rome. Bettiol suggests riding an e-bike to see the Eternal City. The busy streets of Rome, which are full of both old ruins and new sights, make for a great cycling trip. Even though the roads are bumpy and the traffic is crazy, biking through Rome is a great way to get close to the city’s lively atmosphere and historic sites. Get ready for the busy streets of the city, and watch out for cracks in the road. You can get a unique view of Rome’s long past by riding your bike by famous sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. He also talks about the tasty food you can eat after a ride, like cacio e pepe and bucatini all’amatriciana, which are both traditional Roman meals.

Italy’s Historic Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is an old path for pilgrims that is now popular with cyclists. From Canterbury, England, to Apulia, Italy, this historic trail lets you enjoy both natural and culture sights. Bettiol’s best part goes through Castelfiorentino and shows how people traveled in the Middle Ages. The Via Francigena covers a vast distance of 1,700 km, crossing diverse terrains including Alps, forests, and lakes. Modern amenities along the route make the journey more comfortable, with plenty of hostels, B&Bs, and service stations. Bettiol emphasizes that the trail is well-marked with GPS checkpoints, ensuring you won’t get lost.

The Hills of The Langhe
In Italy’s lower Piedmont region, the Langhe area offers challenging climbs and beautiful scenery. Bettiol recommends starting in Alba, known for its white truffles, and cycling through the hilly landscape dotted with vineyards and historic towns. The Langhe area is a great place for a romantic bike trip. After a day of riding, come back in the evening and enjoy the beautiful views and local wine. Bettiol also recommends a trip to the Relais San Maurizio in Santo Stefano Belbo. It is a fancy chateau surrounded by farmland that has a spa and a restaurant with a Michelin star. A cycling trip with this mix of hard work and rest is sure to be remembered.

Lakes of Italy
Italy’s Lakes Region provides a different kind of biking experience with its clear waters and celebrity villas. Bettiol recommends starting your journey at Lake Maggiore, exploring its picturesque surroundings before heading to Lake Lugano and Lake Como. The ride to Bellagio, a historic town on Lake Como, is particularly notable. Here, you can visit the sanctuary of La Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, and the Museo del Ciclismo to learn about the sport’s history. Continuing to Lake Garda, you’ll find a longer route perfect for experienced cyclists, with beautiful towns like Sirmione and plenty of bars and eateries along the way. For accommodation, Bettiol suggests the Lefay Resort & Spa on Lake Garda, ideal for a luxurious stay after a long ride.

Dolomites
The Dolomites in northeastern Italy are a great place for mountain bikers to go. This group of mountains has steep climbs and stunning views. Bettiol says that you should spend a week exploring the different passes in the Dolomites, such as Sellaronda, Passo Pordoi, and Passo Valparola. For a truly immersive experience, visit Livigno, known as the “Tibet of Italy,” for its high-altitude terrain and excellent cycling opportunities. Bettiol also suggests taking the Bernina Express train from Tirano for a scenic ride through Switzerland’s Alpine landscapes.

Conclusion
Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich cycling culture offer incredible adventures for biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring Tuscany’s charming hills, navigating Rome’s historic streets, or conquering the Dolomites’ rugged trails, Italy provides a wealth of experiences for every cyclist. Alberto Bettiol’s favorite biking adventures showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, making Italy a top destination for your next cycling journey.