our first destination
no one does Tuscany better than Cicloposse
This is our home, our base, where all began, and still one of our favourite places in the world.
It was there that our founder, Marco Tornaghi, moved from Milano, where he live and train, 29 years ago started to share the area’s cycling and culinary bounty with like-minded travelers.
We know every centimetre, every corner of the place we will bring you and we promise that if you join us you will enjoy an unforgettable unique adventure
Travelers flock to famous cities of Toscana and well-preserved countryside not only to view the breathtaking art found here, but also to be swept away by the magic of its enchanting landscapes so enjoyable by bike.
One must is to visit the Piazza del Campo in Siena, one of Italy’s most stunning squares, hosting the world-famous Palio horse races.
The charming medieval hill towns of Montepulciano, Montalcino, and San Gimignano are home to some of the region’s finest wines. Pienza with the pecorino sheep milk cheese, Unesco site in the val d’Orcia.
Maremma, in the southern, lesser-known reaches of the region touching the sea, is rich in Etruscan history and dotted with numerous stone villages to explore.
Riding in Chianti Classico is characterized by sweeping panoramas, winding ribbons of perfect tarmac, challenging climbs and thrilling descents. You can spend hours here without coming across other road users, and when you do, the locals are always friendly.
Our headquarter is in Pienza, in the Heart of Parco della val d’Orcia– as well Unesco site – a really magic corner to visit by bike – where you will experience the best of Tuscany: all travel articles, guide books, catalogues, web site use pictures and photo of this area as iconic images of Tuscany: road with cypress, small village on top of hill, the hot spring, abbey immersed in park, the group of cypresses!
IN YOUR GLASS
The iconic grape of Tuscany is Sangiovese, meaning sangue di Giove- blood of Jove.
The famous Brunello is made 100% of Sangiovese grosso, many of the best chianti classico and Nobile di Montepulciano as well use this grape in pure.
This region is known more for red wine, there are many DOCG the label for high quality and history.
The story of Super Tuscans wine is connected with the Italian revolution towards high quality wine. All start in Bolgheri with Sassicaia.
There are many other great wine to taste: Morellino di Scansano and syrah Cortona.
Anyway there are 2 lovely white wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vermentino produced along the coast.
Last but not least the Vin Santo, Sacred wine the dessert wine you find at any restaurant.
Perfect as meditation wine, but be careful the real vin santo is aged at least 5 years.
in your plate
Beautiful Landscapes
Tuscany boasts some of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes.
Firstly, the Orcia Valley, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable beauty. Additionally, there are numerous incredible destinations such as the Chianti wine region, where vineyards harmonize with forests, the distinctive Crete Senesi, the pristine Maremma, and the captivating coastline. These areas stand as our prime cycling destinations.
Art and History in Every Corner
In Tuscany, the richness of art and history extends beyond famous landmarks to the minute details found in the charming villages dating back to Etruscan, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Cycling through Tuscany offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s profound history and culture, uncovering towns and landmarks that have preserved their essence for over 600 years.
While renowned historical towns like San Gimignano, Lucca, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, and the breathtaking Piazza Del Campo in Siena capture attention, it’s the lesser-known villages adorned with architecturally significant and well-preserved buildings and museums that provide a tapestry of history waiting to be explored.
Moreover, in Tuscany, these towns and villages are intimately interconnected, allowing for close proximity and frequent opportunities for leisurely coffee breaks and delightful lunch stops, enhancing your journey through history at every turn.
food & wine or so called enogastronomy!
Every journey in Italy is an enogastronomic voyage, and each region presents its own traditional recipes. Tuscany, in particular, offers a unique array of culinary specialties across its various zones. The cuisine is characterized by simplicity, accentuated by the abundant use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, and rustic dishes.
In winter, there’s the hearty Ribollita, while summer delights in Panzanella. Indulge in delicacies like Prosciutto and Finocchiona. In our area, you’ll find Pici all’Aglione and Pappardelle al Cinghiale, while along the coast, the famous fish soup, Caciucco.
However, it’s unquestionably Tuscany’s wines that take the spotlight. Tuscany spearheaded the high-quality wine revolution with its famed Supertuscans (Sassicaia, Ornellaia). Brunello reigns supreme, with Argiano’s 2018 Brunello being honored as Wine Spectator’s best wine this year.
Chianti Classico remains one of the most renowned historically, and today, there are numerous DOC and DOCG varieties, including Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, and Monte Cucco. The Sangiovese grape unquestionably dominates, primarily in red wines, although white wines, such as the Vermentino on the coast and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, are gaining significant recognition within indigenous grape varietals.
With such a diverse selection, the gastronomic aspect is equally enticing. It’s no surprise that our most popular tour is the Cycling and Cooking retreat.
A Journey Through Time
Exploring Tuscany often feels like stepping into a time machine, where visitors are transported through the ages. An immersive experience that might evoke the sensation of traversing centuries in a single day. Some visitors find themselves captivated by the feeling of having journeyed back in time while wandering through these evocative locations.
Moreover, Tuscany’s timeless allure has attracted filmmakers, with many choosing its picturesque landscapes and well-preserved towns as captivating settings for movies set across diverse historical periods. From the Etruscan era to the Renaissance, Tuscany’s evocative ambiance has served as a backdrop for cinema tales, further immortalizing its historical essence.
Even in the biking realm, there’s a journey back in time… think about the phenomenon of cycling on vintage bikes! It all began with the Eroica event in Gaiole in Chianti.
L’Eroica, Gaiole in Chianti
L’Eroica is an annual non-competitive vintage cycling event that has been held since 1997. It aims to recreate the golden years of Italian cycling in the 1940s and 1950s, encouraging participants to use vintage steel bikes, accessories, and attire. To take part, cyclists must ride a steel bike manufactured before 1987 and wear old-fashioned woolen cycling clothes, adhering to the event’s traditional spirit.
Starting and concluding in Gaiole in Chianti, the event offers 209 km and 135 km routes on Saturday, followed by 106 km, 81 km, and 46 km routes on Sunday. The picturesque route often traverses Tuscany’s renowned gravel roads, known as “strade bianche.”
Held annually on the first Sunday of October, L’Eroica showcases the captivating landscapes of Chianti Classico and Crete Senesi. Along the route, riders encounter refreshment stops in charming villages, offering local delicacies such as Tuscan bread dipped in wine, bruschetta with pig fat, Ribollita soup, sandwiches, fruits, and, of course, regional wines.
L’Eroica has earned the title of the world’s most popular vintage bike event, attracting riders from various corners of the globe, including America, Australia, South Africa, and across Europe. It’s a vibrant weekend with cycling enthusiasts, local vendors offering gastronomic experiences, and live music.
L’Eroica, Montalcino
In addition, a recently introduced vintage bike event, L’Eroica Montalcino, centers around Montalcino. Organizers realized that riders on the 209 km L’Eroica Chianti event in October were the only ones experiencing the beauty of the southern region of Tuscany. To rectify this, they created a new event, “L’Eroica Montalcino,” featuring routes of 46 km, 70 km, 96 km, and 135 km on the last weekend in May.
The 46 km route, known as the Brunello, is part of our gravel tour. The writer experienced this route with a vintage bike, passing through the Argiano winery.
Do you remember Brunello being named the top wine in the world in November 2023?
We share the tracks !
People also asked
Can you cycle in Tuscany? Can you bike around Tuscany?
Is Tuscany good for Biking? Where is the best cycling in Tuscany?
What is the most scenic bike route in Tuscany?
Read this page to get answers!