A small village in the Marche region has been in the national spotlight in recent days: Cingoli, in the province of Macerata, was recently crowned "Borgo dei Borghi 2026" by the Rai Tre program of the same name, which aired on Easter Sunday. This recognition recognizes its beauty and history, but also opens an important door to the world of cycling tourism, particularly for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Here, the GS Avis Bike Club Cingoli has been a hub for local cycling for over half a century. Founded in 1973, the group has embraced every evolution of cycling, from road to mountain biking, and today hosts events that combine competitive cycling with cycle tourism.
"The group has more than 50 years of history," says Fabrizio Tobaldi, club secretary, "and over the years it has evolved in line with the changes in cycling."
Appointment on April 26th
The highlight of the season is the 9 Fossi, a historic MTB granfondo race taking place in a few days, on April 26th: it represents a true showcase for the area. But beyond the competitive aspect, the event is increasingly designed for those who want to experience cycling in a non-competitive way.
"We've always championed the Granfondo as it once was, where everyone was present, both competitive cyclists and cycle tourists," explains Tobaldi, emphasizing the desire to maintain an inclusive spirit.
Precisely for this reason, alongside the main race, there will be cycling routes dedicated to different types of bikes and audiences. The most accessible option is the mountain bike route, with a roughly 22-kilometer route that follows part of the official route, but in a simplified version. This route, immersed in the woods, features smooth dirt roads and scenic stretches, allowing even the less experienced to experience the 9 Fossi.
Also E-bike and gravel
Next to this, there is a specific path for e-bike, about 32 kilometers long, which adds some more challenging sections, including technical descents like the Fosso Vareno. This option is designed for those who want to have fun using pedal assistance without sacrificing a bit of adrenaline.
The real novelty this year is the introduction of a track gravel, a sign of how an increasingly widespread trend is also being intercepted in Cingoli. «The path gravel, separate from the race route – specifies Tobaldi – it develops between smooth dirt roads and suggestive landscapes, with a beautiful passage along Lake Cingoli and in the hilly areas between villages and castles."
9 Ditches all year round
And let's not forget the main 9 Fossi trail, which can be unloaded and hiked almost year-round and runs along the so-called Cingoli ridge, an area encompassing two Natura 2000 sites: Monte Nero and the Tassinete area. These protected environments are characterized by significant biodiversity and landscapes that alternate between forests, ridges, and open vistas.
This loop, approximately 48 kilometers long with a 1.700-meter elevation gain, represents a demanding challenge, but also a heritage from which cycle-tourist variants arise.
"For those who want, the route can be ridden in parts throughout the year, not necessarily in its entirety," explains the secretary of the Avis Bike Club. "Cycling tourists can adapt it to their abilities, for example, avoiding the more technical sections like what we call the 'wild boar descent.'"
It ends with the vincisgrassi
As is often the case, the 9 Fossi is about more than just cycling. It's also an opportunity to discover local traditions, starting with the cuisine. For years, the event has offered not just a pasta party but a traditional lunch: "This is something we're proud of," says Tobaldi. " We prepare vincisgrassi with locals , and it's a great experience for participants."
This connection between sport and the surrounding area is one of the elements that make Cingoli an ideal destination for cycling. In addition to the trails, the village offers a charming historic center, with narrow streets, squares, and panoramic viewpoints that on clear days allow views all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
"On the clearest days, you can even see the coast of Croatia," he adds. "Don't miss the painting by Lorenzo Lotto and the archaeological museum, as well as the numerous churches and the views that open up along the ancient walls."
The title of Borgo dei Borghi comes at the right time, offering Cingoli a visibility that can translate into new opportunities for cycling tourism, in view of the summer season. The road also passes through here Capuchin Way, therefore the territory really has all the right cards to become a reference destination for off-road enthusiasts, between nature, history and hospitality.
Gs Avis Bike Club Cingoli
