The Long route: Lively, challenging, and fun. Boredom banished.
The race starts on Corso Italia (Cattolica’s Aquarium). After a straight stretch of about 10 km, turn right at the first junction and take the road that leads to Gradara. After the overpass, on the right you can admire the fortified village of Gradara Castle.
Before reaching a roundabout, you will encounter a short climb. The first climb of the day, albeit only about 3 km long, leads you to Pievevecchia. After a descent of about 3 km, you will reach a roundabout, where you can admire the yellow spot of the Doctor’s VR46 Racing Apparel. You have reached km 19. After a tight right turn at km 20.5, which requires some attention, you will reach Santa Maria del Monte. From here, you will descend, and since it is a short, technical descent, you must pay the utmost attention. Here is the junction between the middle route on the left and the long route on the right. If you choose the correct route, the flat stretch will lead you to the first real climb of the day, the most challenging of Mount Altavellio, with a gradient of 7-8% divided into different sections, the first of 3 km, with 1.5 km of descent and another climb of about 3 km. The scenery is simply spectacular, and it is impossible to keep your eyes fixed on the asphalt. The first refreshment point is also located here at km 57.
At this point begins a long technical descent that requires attention, ideal for speed lovers. You will pass through the villages of Auditore and Casinina and reach km 65, where the fastest section of the race begins, about 10 km long and slightly downhill, so you can take a breather. At km 77, the San Giorgio climb begins, leading to the town of Mondaino. You are now at km 83 of the race. The descent that starts here is also technical and takes us to Santa Maria del Monte. Here turn right towards Tavullia, following the route taken at about km 25 of the race. At this point, there is a roundabout and to the right is the 3 km climb to Tavullia with a gradient of about 5%, where the second refreshment point is located.
From here, you will go downhill for about 8 km, which must be faced without letting your guard down to catch your breath before the Panoramica del Parco San Bartolo. At Cattabrighe, you will ride a short stretch on the state road and face the ups and downs of the Panoramica, passing through Fiorenzuola and flanking Casteldimezzo. For the last 15 km, you will find yourself in the San Bartolo Park Nature Reserve, which offers racers a setting of rare beauty from which to admire the panorama of the Adriatic Sea. You will reach the finish amidst the scents of the last big refreshment stop on the natural terrace of Gabicce Monte.
