Emilia-Romagna is one of the largest regions in Italy. When you say Emilia-Romagna, you are actually referring to Marco Pantani’s name. Il Elefantino (or sometimes Il Pirata, after the bandana on his head) lives here as if he had never left us. That is proven once again during the official press conference for the 2024 Tour de France start. The name of Pantani comes up and, spontaneously, there is applause. Not surprisingly, given that he meant so much more to Italy, cycling, and especially in combination with the Tour. It is therefore the perfect ode to the slender climber with the bald head, who will hold the very first Grande Partenza in Emilia Romagna. We were invited to the European Media Cycling Contest in Cesenatico. We enjoyed our stay and these are, in our opinion, the 5 reasons to visit Emilia-Romagna in 2024.
The Tour de France 2024
On June 29, 2024, the riders will start in Tuscany (yes, definitely) but the first stage will finish in Rimini, on the Adriatic coast. This seaside resort, where many young people have been vacationing for years, would like to build more sustainable tourism. Tour de France It is a great springboard to attract even more of the 750,000 annual cyclists. In Stage two, we will see many tributes to Pantani. From Cesenatico, via Montecino and Gallisterna, the riders will head towards Bologna. Here, they will cycle part of the World Cup 2020 around Imola. These two stages alone provide enough inspiration for you as an enthusiastic cyclist to come here. And if you can also get a glimpse of the pros right away, that’s a double bonus.
Various landscapes
The diversity of the landscape is unparalleled: Emilia-Romagna is very diverse. You not only have the vast Adriatic coast (which, in terms of views, is somewhat blocked by the many private beaches; it’s a bit of a cultural thing). You also find rolling hills, vineyards, and beautiful medieval towns and villages. From the coast, you can already see the Apennine mountain range. Whether you prefer a coffee tour or want to go for a serious climbing holiday, Emilia-Romagna has it. And that’s not even mentioning the possibility of ticking off the city-state of San Marino. San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world. A nice list to tick off. Maybe not the most beautiful place, but it’s still nice to be able to say you’ve been there. A visit to Cesenatico is a must as well. It’s a town with a striking promenade, but also a beautiful harbor, which according to legend was designed by Leonardo himself.
Bike-friendly Hotels:
Emilia Romagna is known for its cycling culture and has many bicycle-friendly hotels where you can stay. These bike hotels have a (closed) bike storage room, cleaning areas, and many other services for cyclists. We have already given you three tips:
- Hotel Belvedere, RiccioneHotel Belvedere in Riccione is a paradise for cyclists. It offers not only comfortable accommodation, but also a special program geared towards cyclists. They have bike rental, secure storage for bikes, and even a bike wash station. After your ride, you can relax in the wellness center and enjoy delicious meals tailored to the needs of cyclists.
- Lungomare Bike Hotel, CesenaticoThe Lungomare Bike Hotel in Cesenatico is located on the coast and is perfect for cyclists who want to combine the sea and cycling. There are special bike packages, they have a bike garage and you can also rent (the latest) Pinarello Dogmas. The restaurant has an extensive buffet, both in the morning and in the evening.
- Bike Hotel Dory, RiccioneBike Hotel Dory in Riccione is a certified bike hotel that offers everything a cyclist needs. They have expert guides, an extensive bike workshop, and even a physiotherapy center for post-ride recovery. The rooms are comfortable and suitable for cyclists, and the restaurant serves energizing meals.
Granfondos were invented here
Emilia Romagna organizes a trio of must-attend GranFondo/Cyclosportive events suitable for cyclists of all levels:
- Nove ColliIf you’ve ever wanted to ride a GranFondo, Nove Colli is the mother of all GranFonds. The oldest of its kind covers (you probably guessed it) nine hills. The course takes you past charming villages, challenging climbs, and the beautiful Adriatic coast. Whether you want to conquer all nine hills or just enjoy the ride, Nove Colli promises an unforgettable cycling experience. With climbs like ‘Polenta’, ‘Ciola’, and ‘Barbotto’, you can get your legs warmed up.
- Granfondo le Cime di Romagna – Explore the rugged beauty of the Romagna region in this challenging event. The Granfondo le cime di Romagna offers multiple routes (including a 131-kilometer and 1800-meter elevation climb) that wind through rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, showcasing the enchanting countryside of the region. In total, you have three options, each with its own charm. The start is in Faenze, the hometown of Davide Cassani
- Granfondo Via del Sale – coastal routes: For a unique adventure where the Adriatic coastline plays a major role, the Granfondo Via del Sale is a must. This event takes you through picturesque villages in the Cervia and Ravenna regions and offers stunning views of the sea and a touch of local culture. It is a mix of hilly terrain and stretches along the coast that make this an unforgettable ride.
Bike-friendly
Okay, a disclaimer. I say bike-friendly, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as the billiard mat we’re used to in the Netherlands. Bike-friendly means that cycling is alive here. Pantani is alive, but that’s already clear by now. Along the water there’s a huge network of bike paths, and in the interior you’ll also find dedicated bike lanes. Those stop abruptly, but that way you can often avoid the madness of Italian traffic. In total there are 1285 kilometers of bike paths in the region. If you head inland, the traffic disappears like a mirage. Additional tip: Are you going to Ferrara? Then you might find the most bicycles in Italy there. The city is the ‘cycling capital of Italy’ and also scores high in Europe.
Conclusion
Emilia Romagna, with its combination of natural beauty, bike-friendly accommodations, and events, is a paradise for cyclists. Whether you are planning to explore the Tour de France in 2024 To visit or explore the enchanting countryside of the region through the various events, this Italian gem promises an unforgettable cycling experience. Pack your bike, embrace the challenge, and get ready to discover why Emilia-Romagna is the ultimate destination for cyclists in 2024.
Questions & tips
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