There's just over a month to go until the Giro del Mito , the granfondo that kicks off in Bagno di Romagna on the weekend of June 6-7. We're in the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, where the roads wind through centuries-old forests and authentic villages. The Giro d'Italia and even the 2024 Tour de France Grand Départ have passed through here. Marco Pantani trained here when he started from Cesenatico. In short: a territory that embodies the legend of cycling.
Leading the organizing team is River22 Sporting Club , Federico Para's sports center , with Giovanni Rossi as its sports director. He explains what participants will find in this second edition of the Giro del Mito. "After last year's success, the choice was clear: to confirm the routes ," Rossi begins. "We saw that they were well-received, both for how they were laid out on a road level and for the commitment of the cyclists."
Mandrioli, Calla, Carnaio
There are two routes, and we'll explain them in detail: "The long route represents the main challenge: 133 kilometers and approximately 3.000 meters of elevation gain , passing through some of the most iconic locations in the Apennines," explains Rossi. "It starts from Bagno di Romagna and heads towards the Passo dei Mandrioli, the gateway to Tuscany. From here, you enter the Casentinesi Forests National Park, passing through Camaldoli (the famous hermitage is located three kilometers upstream from the route, ed.), before descending towards the Arno Valley."
A smoother section then leads to Pratovecchio-Stia, a prelude to the climb up the Passo della Calla, one of the most beloved climbs among cyclists due to its total immersion in beech forests. The return to Romagna passes through Santa Sofia and Corniolo, before tackling another iconic climb, the Passo del Carnaio. The finale is the Selvapiana climb, where a time trial is also held.
Where the Tiber rises…
"We have both the general classification and the hill climb time trial classification, to add a little more spice to the competition," Rossi explains. This dual interpretation of the race adds interest even for those who want to test themselves more specifically on a specific effort.
The short route, however, offers a more accessible but no less fascinating alternative: about 70 kilometers and 1.500 meters of elevation gain. "After a few kilometers from the start," he explains, "the trail turns east, toward Verghereto, before climbing toward Monte Fumaiolo, the symbolic source of the Tiber River. From here, a long descent leads back to San Piero in Bagno, where the two routes rejoin to tackle the final climb to Selvapiana together."
Gravel to Saturday
The Giro del Mito is not just a competition, far from it. We have already talked about theevent's audience gravel of Saturdayo in the heart of the Casentino Forests. Furthermore, in the center of Bagno di Romagna, Piazza Ricasoli becomes the beating heart of the event, with an expo area animated by technical stands, food trucks, and activities for the public and collaboration with the local Radio Studio Delta.
Among the most anticipated events is the team presentation, made even more special by the presence of two iconic cycling voices, Riccardo Magrini and Luca Gregorio. "Teams with at least ten participants will be introduced directly by the two Eurosport commentators, for an extra touch of entertainment," adds Rossi.
Gadgets and subscriptions
Alongside the sporting aspect, there's also a growing focus on the overall participant experience. The carefully curated race pack includes a personalized Alé technical vest, Enervit sports nutrition products , as well as gadgets and discount vouchers. This demonstrates the desire to offer a quality event that will leave a lasting impression.
One last tip: to get to know the Giro del Mito organizers in person, they'll be present in Cattolica on the weekend of May 15-17 at the Granfondo Squali with their own stand. There, you'll have the opportunity to register directly (in addition to the traditional ENDU portal ) and it will be a great way to connect directly with participants in the Bagno di Romagna event.
