On the streets of Gino Bartali: Strade Bianche 2018
Cycling is one of the most popular sports in Italy. Maybe because the bicycle was and still is a comfortable and convenient means of transport, both in small towns and in large cities. Or better, for all that the history of the bicycle represents in Tuscany. Great champions were born here, like Gino Bartali, who is the best known internationally.
Even Siena and its surroundings have many routes and itineraries that can be done by bike or mountain bike. The gentle hills that surround the city are moderately easy and can also be traveled by those who do not usually ride a bike.
White Roads 2018 edition
And to honor and give space to this sport and its history, every year an important Media sponsor organizes a special race, the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche that runs along some dirt roads, just as it was at the time of the first editions of the Giro d’Italia.
The competition is dedicated to professionals but also to amateurs and develops over two different days. The professionals will travel the 184 kilometers between Siena and the roads of the province with 11 sectors of white roads, that are not asphalted but well maintained and will bring cyclists through the dreamy atmospheres of Tuscany of the past.
Among old churches, ancient villas, historic villages like Buonconvento and Castelnuovo Berardenga, passing through the Crete Senesi and heading towards the Chiantishire with its vineyards and its landscapes almost spring.
The steps that the cyclists will have to face are unchanged compared to the 2017 edition and as always, the most impressive is the dirt road of Monte Sante Marie, a few kilometers from the finish, which will always be in Piazza del Campo in Siena after the wall of via Santa Caterina of the last kilometer.
The great fund for amateurs
The day after the competition for professionals, it will be the turn of the amateurs. The route is less long and demanding. In reality, the organization has planned a long route of 139 kilometers and a short one of 86.6, respectively with eight and six dirt sections.
The inscription, which is still possible, also provides for the possibility of purchasing a joint bib. The funds raised will go this year to an anti-violence center of a small town in the province of Siena.
Appointment on March 3rd and 4th 2018 in Siena.
Info at http://gfstradebianche.it
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