The long route: Fast-paced, challenging and fun. No room for boredom.
The race starts from Corso Italia (Cattolica Aquarium). Riders cover about 10 km of flat roads, a straight stretch leading to the first junction, where turning right takes you onto the road heading towards the Gradara area. After passing the overpass, on the right you will already be able to admire the fortified village of the Castello di Gradara.
Before reaching a roundabout, there is a short uphill ramp. The first climb of the day, although only about 3 km long, begins as you continue towards Pievevecchia. This is followed by a descent of about 3 km, leading to the roundabout where you can spot the yellow colours of the Doctor’s VR46 Racing Apparel. We are now at km 19. After a tight right-hand turn at km 20.5, where special attention is required, riders reach Santa Maria del Monte. From here the road goes downhill and, although short, this descent is technical, so maximum caution is recommended. Here you will find the split between the medium route on the left and the long route on the right. Choosing the right-hand route, a false flat begins, leading to the first real climb of the day, the most demanding one: Monte Altavellio, with gradients of 7–8% divided into sections — the first 3 km climb, followed by 1.5 km of descent and then another climb of about 3 km. The scenery is simply spectacular, making it almost impossible to keep your eyes fixed on the road. The first refreshment stop is located here — km 57.
After that, riders will face a long technical descent, perfect for speed lovers but still requiring attention. The route passes through the towns of Auditore and then Casinina, reaching km 65. From here begins the fastest section of the race, about 10 km on a gentle downhill stretch to recover before tackling, at km 77, the climb of San Giorgio leading to the village of Mondaino. We are now at km 83 of the race. The descent that follows is also technical and takes riders back to Santa Maria del Monte. Here you turn right towards Tavullia, retracing the section previously covered at around km 25 of the race. At this point, you reach a roundabout and, on the right, begins the 3 km climb to Tavullia with an average gradient of about 5%, where the second refreshment stop is located. From here starts a descent of about 8 km, to be tackled without lowering your guard, allowing you to catch your breath before the Panoramic Road of the Parco San Bartolo. In Cattabrighe, riders take a short stretch of main road and then face the rolling ups and downs of the panoramic route, passing through Fiorenzuola and alongside Casteldimezzo. We are now inside the Natural Reserve of the San Bartolo Park for the final 15 km, offering riders a landscape of rare beauty, with stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. The finish line awaits among the scents of the large final refreshment area on the natural terrace of Gabicce Monte.