Road Cycling in Tuscany, Italy – Best Spots & Local Tips

Tuscany’s most famous road cycling experience is the Strade Bianche, a network of white gravel roads that pass through the Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia, and around Siena. Riders often follow routes used in the Strade Bianche professional race, combining fast gravel sections, challenging climbs, and sweeping Tuscan views. The L’Eroica route, starting in Gaiole in Chianti, is another iconic loop, designed to be ridden on vintage bikes and following a mix of asphalt and gravel roads through the Chianti Hills and classic Tuscan countryside.\n\nIn central Tuscany, loops around San Gimignano, Volterra, and Monteriggioni offer scenic climbs and descents through medieval towns and vineyards. The roads around Lucca and Montecarlo are popular with local pros for training rides, while routes near Pienza, Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni provide stunning wine-country scenery with technical terrain.\n\nThe Maremma region in southern Tuscany features longer coastal routes and rolling inland roads with less traffic, perfect for endurance rides and relaxed touring. In the north, the Apuan Alps and Garfagnana offer more challenging climbs with alpine views and shaded forest routes, appealing to climbers and adventure cyclists.\n\nTuscany has a strong cycling culture, with many bike-friendly agriturismi, guided tours, bike shops, and support vehicles for multi-day trips. The best time for road cycling is from March to June and September to October, avoiding the summer heat. With its mix of beauty, history, and world-class riding, Tuscany is a must-visit for any road cyclist.

Top Ways to Find Certified Guides in Tuscany for road cycling:\n\n– Crion.org to book guided road cycling tours in Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Siena region\n– Local cycling tour operators in Lucca, Florence, and Gaiole in Chianti offering day rides and multi-day trips\n– Former pro cyclists and certified coaches offering one-on-one rides or group experiences\n– Agriturismi and wine resorts with in-house guides or partnerships with local cycling clubs\n– Cycling clubs and bike shops in Arezzo, Grosseto, and Pisa providing local knowledge and route advice

Best Places to Rent & Buy Road Cycling Equipment in Tuscany:– Road bike rental shops in Lucca, Florence, Siena, and Chianti offering carbon bikes and e-road options– Cycling stores in Arezzo, Pisa, and Grosseto with gear, apparel, and fitting services– Agriturismi and boutique hotels with on-site bike fleets for guests– Tour operators with full-service rentals, helmets, GPS devices, and support vehicles– Online services that deliver premium bikes to your accommodation or guided tour starting point