There are places in Italy that, if traveled by bicycle, give an incomparable charm; wonderful itineraries immersed in nature and which represent the most popular destinations for the many cyclists who every year, especially in summer, decide to take a ride on our peninsula. In this article we deal with a specific Italian area: Mugello. Tuscany, in fact, has always been one of the richest places in cycling itineraries and in the Mugello area these are not lacking. If you are passionate about cycling and want to visit fantastic places on your bike, read on and discover the three best cycling routes in the Mugello area.

The banks of the Sieve river

The route along the Sieve is a 40 km long itinerary and can represent a fascinating challenge for more experienced cyclists; moreover, on its route there is a 3 km long climb, with a difference in height that exceeds 10%.

Those who are not afraid of challenges will find this itinerary really interesting. It starts from Borgo San Lorenzo and follows the stream for about 4 km, to then arrive in San Cresci; here, at the end of a long climb, you can see the village church, surrounded by greenery, which heralds the end of a fairly difficult and tortuous path.

Still along the river, you come to a downhill stretch of several kilometers that allows you to rest and finally reach sea level, enjoying the beautiful panorama of the Val di Sieve.

The itinerary ends in the city of Vicchio, where Giotto and Beato Angelico were born, from which we take the road that leads back, this time with fewer climbs than previously, to Borgo San Lorenzo.

The fitness path

There are many cyclists who call this itinerary “fitness” that we are now presenting.

It is, in fact, a route longer than 50 km with different gradients and unpaved roads. So if you are looking for relaxation and a slow pace, this is not the path for you.

Those who are already trained enough, but want to continue their training, will be able to tackle this itinerary which, starting right from Vicchio, crosses the ancient countryside of Salaiole, to begin an uphill stretch that passes through the villages of Polcanto, Vetta Le Croci , Poggiolo and Bivigliano.

It is here that, finally, we take the provincial road again and return to the starting point, that is Vicchio.

The path of memory

This itinerary was traveled by great cyclists, such as Francesco Casagrande, and was part of a cycling race that took place in Mugello until a few years ago, called the Barberino-Passo della Futa time trial.

Most of the route is uphill; therefore, your best bet is to set the bike on low and light ratios.

From the starting point, Barberino, take the road that will lead to the Futa Pass, which passes through the cities of San Gavino, Montecarelli, Santa Lucia and Monte di Fo.

Along the way, you can find a plaque with the name of Gastone Nencini, a famous cyclist of the 1960s, written.

On the sides of the road there is a long wall built to shelter travelers from the passage of wagons and some German war cemeteries, evidence of the Second World War.