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The course faithfully reflects the features of the Forlì territory in a continuous dialectic between flatland and hills. A stretch that is neither easy nor too tough, in which the ruggedness of certain ascents is made up for by relatively short distances. But anyone not on top form should pay due attention to the harsh climbs of Pieve di Rivoschio and Polenta.
Fratta, 11 springs of miraculous waters
Departure on the flat from Fratta Terme, a village with an ancient spa tradition at the foot of the Bertinoro hill. There are no less than 11 springs with different properties depending on the composition of the deep subsoil they pass through.
From Fratta there’s an easy up and down run until you get to Meldola.
From here, on a gradual and almost imperceptible ascent, you reach Pian di Spino. The road gets increasingly undulating, almost as if presaging the uphill stretch.
And 5 kilometres from Pieve di Rivoschio you start climbing seriously: at first the hairpin bends can be pedalled then it gets tougher and you need a 39x25. There’s also a bit of downhill to get your breath back but it’s followed by a diabolical final kilometre.
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Keep an eye out on the San Romano descent
Concluding the last leg there’s a crossroads where you must go left, following the signs for Borello. There are certainly better descents for getting your breath back.
The one to Borello is nervy and steep: you have to keep your eyes open on the tight bends and your hands ready on the brakes.
San Romano passes in a blink, then after a 37 kilometre run you come to the built up area of Borello. One hill behind and already another ahead. At 46 kilometres, having passed the village of Settecrociari and taking the road towards Bertinoro, you start climbing. The road rises at once under your pedals with a 15% gradient before a few ups and downs comfort your spirit somewhat. Then there’s the turnoff for Polenta and the climb (about 5 kilometres to the summit) gets rough with stretches at 15% that take your breath away and intoxicate your muscles.
The last critical point at Polenta
When you pass the Church in Polenta the itinerary is almost over.
Only five kilometres to go, all in a nosedive toward Fratta Terme. The descent is pretty treacherous, especially at the end with a 14% gradient. You arrive in Fratta after 60 kilometres, with more than twenty of them ascents of varying toughness.
And at the end, wine and piadina
For those who at the end of the tour want to award themselves a gastronomic break, our advice is to go up, with no hurry, to Bertinoro. There’s very large and beautiful wine bar there called the Cà de Bè and for a cyclist at the end of a tiring circuit it’s a marvellous stop-off. You can drink the best local wines, accompanied by piadina, crescioni, cold cuts and cheeses. |
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