The routes
Start
Thursday, April 30
The day’s program
Participant check-in
- Apartment key pickup and race packet distribution
- Welcome cocktail
Initial briefing
- Staff introduction
- Program presentation
- Conversation with Francesco Casagrande: from the road to the dirt track
- First lesson in emergency mechanics with Luigino Veneziano
Dinner (on your own)
- We recommend making a reservation or notifying the staff in advance.
Day 1 - The Constellation
Friday, May 1
The day’s program
Breakfast delivered to apartments
Meet at Base Camp
- Briefing on the day’s activities
Start of Route 1: La Costellazione
46 km, elevation gain 870 m, 45% dirt road
- After 18.6 km, Stop 1:Triangolo Verde, visit to the landfill facilities.
- After 34 km, stop 2: refreshments at Agriturismo Diacceroni.
- Expected return between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
Debriefing at Base Camp
- Review of the day
- Issues, questions, and answers
Free time and dinner on your own
Meet-up for the Night Ride
Departure for Libbiano – 11 km, +256 m elevation gain
- Astronomical observation at the Libbiano Observatory
Return to Base Camp
The first day is already a comprehensive test for gravel riders.
In the morning, we’ll tackle a very varied route, with nearly 50% dirt roads featuring gentle climbs and challenging steep sections.
We’ll put our riding style and bike setup to the test on both climbs and descents. It’s the perfect way to start.
Two essential stops for these days:
The Green Triangle, the driving force behind innovation in the region
Refreshments on the terraces of Agriturismo Diacceroni
We’ll return in time for a debrief and to discuss our impressions of the route.
After a shower and some rest, for those who feel up to it, a new night ride to the Libbiano astronomical observatory: 11 km with a few climbs (but you’ll have seen them in the morning) to be done with front and rear lights on.
The amateur astronomers await us for an exploration of the sky lasting about an hour, and then we’ll head back home.
Highlights of the Day
- Visit to the Triangolo Verde
- Lunch at Agriturismo Diacceroni
- Stargazing in Libbiano
The route - The Constellation
46 km
874 m
The route - Nighttime Bike Ride to the Libbiano Astronomical Observatory
22,2 km
413 m
Day 2 - Peccioli & Volterra (Villamagna)
Saturday, May 2
The day’s program
Breakfast delivered to apartments
Meet at Base Camp
- Daily Briefing
Start of Route 2: Peccioli and Volterra
63,3 km, elevation gain 1,018 m, 12% dirt road
After 36.2 km, Stop 1: La via di Mezzo di Ghizzano 2.
Refreshments at Cantina Venerosi Pesciolini.
Expected return between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Gravel Training at Campo Base
- Video analysis of participants
- Q&A
- Biomechanics lessons
- Nutrition lessons
Dinner on your own or a pizza party with the staff.
A longer route awaits us, though the dirt-road section is less demanding (only 12%), while the elevation gain will exceed 1,000 meters, taking us through rolling hills and gentle climbs.
Spectacular views will accompany us all day, but we’ll also visit the villages of Peccioli, where we’ll experience contemporary art and the wonders of the MACCA.
A must-see stop for refreshments at the Venerosi Pesciolini winery and along the Via di Mezzo in Ghizzano.
After returning and resting, we’ll meet at Base Camp for Bike Fitting and Nutrition classes, including video analysis of your bike setup.
Highlights of the Day
- Visit to Ghizzano, the Via di Mezzo
- Refreshments at Cantina Venerosi Pesciolini
- Biomechanics Classes
- Nutrition Classes
The route - Peccioli & Volterra
38.3 km
659 m
Day 3 - Terricciola & Le Serre
Sunday, May 3
The day’s program
Breakfast delivery to your apartment
Meet at Base Camp
- Daily briefing
Start of Route 3: Terriciola and Le Serre
33.7 km, elevation gain 573 m, 37% dirt road
After 4.8 km, Stop 1: the historic center of Peccioli
After 29.3 km, stop 1: refreshments at Le Serre di Peccioli
Expected return between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Base Camp: Special time trial ride with Paolo Bettini leading the group
22.8 km, 353 m elevation gain, 31% dirt road
Debrief at Base Camp
- Review of the day
- Issues, questions, and answers
Debrief and chat with Paolo Bettini
- Final debriefing and discussion with participants
Graduation Ceremony
- Tour and wine tasting at Le Palaie Winery
- Closing Remarks
Dinner
It’s Sunday: the party and the final exams.
In the morning, a short route (approx. 30 km), a mix of paved and dirt roads, where you can refine your analysis and strategy.
We’ll explore the hills of Terriciola (the City of Wine) and return along the dirt roads of Peccioli toward the Festa sulle Serre.
Here we’ll stop for a break and refreshments, along with thousands of people attending the Festa sulle Serre at the Church of the Madonna delle Serre—the heart of the ancient rural community and a symbol of Peccioli—where you’ll find stalls selling typical local products.
The route concludes back at Base Camp, at whatever pace each participant chooses.
But for those up for it, Paolo Bettini will be waiting for us at Base Camp at 3:00 PM for a special time-trial ride: 22 km of gravel and dirt roads to hone your strength and technique alongside a world champion and Olympic champion who knows these areas like the back of his hand.
The day concludes with a final debrief and a Q&A session with our team and coaches.
Aperitif and a visit to the Le Palaie winery with a final tasting and (perhaps) the presentation of certificates…
Highlights of the Day
- Tour of Peccioli’s historic center
- Lunch at Le Serre di Peccioli
- Special regularity stage
- Award ceremony
The route - Terricciola & Le Serre
33.7 km
573m
Route - Special regularity stage
22,8 km
352 m
Day 4
Monday, May 4
TIPS FOR YOUR STAY
Entertainment and Culture
Restaurants
Café Haus in the center of Peccioli
Restaurant La Ripa Bianca at the Borgaruccio farmhouse
Restaurant ConGusto at the Hotel Porta Valdera
Ferretti in the center of Peccioli
La Dispensa in the center of Peccioli
Antico Molino Restaurant in the village of Fabbrica di Peccioli
Il Tino da Roberta Restaurant in the center of Terricciola
Diacceroni Agrtiurismo in Fabbrica di Peccioli
Wineries for shopping and tastings
Tenuta di Ghizzano – Venerosi Pesciolini
Le Palaie
Casanova – Spinetta (Terricciola)
Villa Cosmiana
Fattoria Fibbiano (Terricciola)
Badia di Morrona (Terricciola)
Marina Romin (Terricciola)