The Italian region Marche He wants the millions of TV viewers of the Tirreno–Adriatico not only to watch the final stage, but also to go cycling themselves. He made that ATIM, The region’s tourism agency, known today in an international press release, linked the last three stages of the Tirreno to the Marche region from March 13 to 15.
The message is concrete: four elaborate cycling routes are intended to put the region on the map as a destination for road cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers. The race serves as a marketing machine. According to ATIM, Tirreno–Adriatico generates more than 2,843 hours of TV broadcasts, spread across five continents, reaching around 36 million viewers.
Three stages, from muri to the coastal finish
Of last three Tirreno stages provide a good overview of what Marche has to offer. Stage 5 (Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio, approximately 185km) includes more than ten climbs and finishes with a round of the climb to Santuario del Beato Sante. Stage 6 (San Severino Marche to Camerino, approximately 189km) is the classification stage, with the Muro della Madonna delle Carceri as the steepest section at 18% incline. And stage 7 concludes with the traditional Finishing line in San Benedetto del Tronto After 143km from Civitanova Marche.
The weekend therefore offers exactly the mix the region wants to promote: hills, historic villages, short steep walls, and then the Adriatic coast.
Four routes, four types of cyclists
ATIM has added four fixed routes to its list of top choices for cycling tourists. Here are the highlights:
- Ciclovia delle Abbazie – 69km along the valley of the Chienti river, on cycling trails along Romanesque abbeys. Think of the Abbazia di San Claudio al Chienti and the Abbadia di Fiastra. Cultural route, suitable for a relaxing day.
- Ciclovia Adriatica – the coastal route from north to south through the region, on the one hand a beach, on the other hand rolling hills. Accessible and suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Ciclo Appenninica Alte Marche – approximately 200km through the northern Apennine region, connecting nine municipalities including Acqualagna, Cagli and Sassoferrato. For those who enjoy long days with high-altitude views.
- Grande Anello dei Sibillini – about 180km of mountain biking route around the entire Monti Sibillini National Park. Mainly forest roads and quiet paved paths. Stages can be adapted to your level and preferences.
The abbey route is aimed at road cyclists, while the coast and the Apennines are suitable for gravel and touring cyclists. For mountain bikers there is the Sibillini Round.
We will further clarify the routes (and who knows, we might even go there just for a quick visit)!
€27.5 million for the Ciclovia Adriatica
It doesn't stop at beautiful pictures on TV. The region is also investing in infrastructure. In July 2025, Marche Region €27.5 million Free of charge for the completion of the Ciclovia Adriatica within the region, from Gabicce to Porto d’Ascoli. This includes more than 67km of cycling paths, plus maintenance of existing sections. Marche is also the leading region for the national Ciclovia Adriatica project.
The idea is a “kam structure”: the coastal route as the backbone, with side routes inland. Or is it actually running as smoothly as it sounds in practice? We don’t know that from first hand, but the money and the plan are in place.
In May, the Giro d’Italia will follow
The Tirreno is not the only road race this year in Marche. It will finish on Saturday, May 16th. Stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia in Fermo, After a 159km ride from Chieti. The final includes a 4.3km climb to Capodarco, followed by a technical finish in the narrow streets of the old town. Fermo last saw a Giro finish in 1972.
Marina Santucci, director of ATIM, said about this: “By investing in cycling, from the highest competition to a wide range of cycling tourism routes, Marche is strengthening its international position.”
Bike-friendly network under construction
ATIM goes on to mention a growing network of bike-friendly accommodations, specialized guides, rental and maintenance services. The kind of information that really makes a trip interesting, but which you as a cyclist need to look into in concrete detail. For more route and travel information, the region refers to letsmarche.it.
For many Dutch cyclists, Marche is still not at the top of the list. The region positions itself as a quieter alternative to Tuscany or the Dolomites. The question is whether the region can deliver the promised level of service in practice.
Are you already familiar with the Marche on a bike? On the road, gravel or MTB? We’d love to hear how it works in practice.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.