The Marche region is a corner of Italy that reveals a land rich in nuances, where the beauty of nature intertwines with history, art, and tradition. Perfect for those who love slow travel, cycling tourism in the Marche offers an experience that allows you to discover hidden corners and enjoy the region from an authentic perspective.
Routes and Itineraries for Cycling Tourism in the Marche
Cycling tourism in the Marche offers a variety of routes for every preference, ranging from scenic roads ideal for road bikes to more technical trails for mountain bikes (MTB), as well as tracks dedicated to gravel bikes.
Among road bike routes, the climbs and descents through medieval villages such as Urbino, Macerata, and Fermo are perfect for those who love tough ascents and bucolic views. Monte San Vicino and Monte Canfaito are recommended areas for MTB enthusiasts, with trails ranging from easy segments to technical paths crossing forests and pastures. The landscape is varied, with spectacular views of the plains and surrounding mountains, especially in autumn during the foliage season. Gravel bikes are ideal for exploring mixed routes that combine paved and dirt roads. The Marche region offers a wide range of gravel trails stretching from the hills to mountainous areas, featuring unspoiled and low-traffic landscapes.
The Sibillini Ring by bike is a route suitable for both mountain bike lovers and road cyclists, depending on the chosen variants and terrain difficulty. It’s a loop of about 120 km that offers breathtaking views, pristine natural landscapes, and extraordinary sights of mountains, lakes, and surrounding valleys; it is named after the mythological Sibyl, a legendary figure said to have lived in these mountains. Sibillini Rebirth is another 71 km route that develops on mixed terrain—gravel, dirt, and asphalt—with a 1,409-meter elevation gain and moderate difficulty.
Bike Parks and Events
The Marche region is developing several areas dedicated to downhill and mountain biking, with equipped bike parks: the Bike Park in Cingoli is one of the most well-known in the region, offering various mountain bike trails from easy to highly technical, particularly loved by downhill and descent fans. The Adventure Park in Frontone combines MTB trails with outdoor activities like downhill and enduro and offers extraordinary views of the Marche mountains.
The Marche also hosts events that enrich the cycling tourism experience. For instance, the Gran Fondo dei Sibillini, one of the most famous cycling races in the region, takes place annually in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains, attracting enthusiasts from all over Italy and beyond. Cyclists can choose from various routes with different difficulty levels, through hills, mountains, and breathtaking natural scenery. It’s also a family-friendly event: during the Gran Fondo weekend, several side events are organized, including entertainment, markets, concerts, and other cultural activities.
Cycling Tradition
In addition to boasting several cycling schools and academies that train young local talent, the Marche region has a strong tradition in bicycle manufacturing. In the Osimo area and other towns across the region, there is a true production district dedicated to bicycles. Here, numerous artisans and companies produce high-quality bicycles for both tourism and competitive use. Known for their elegance and sturdiness, these bikes are especially appreciated by collectors. Some Marche-based bicycle manufacturers have stood out for their innovation in materials, such as the use of carbon fiber and titanium to create lightweight and durable frames. Research in this field is very active, with experiments aimed at improving performance and durability, without neglecting aesthetics.
Bike Culture
The Marche also hosts several bicycle museums that celebrate the region’s cycling culture and tradition. Among the museums showcasing the history of the bicycle, its evolution, and major cycling events, are the Bicycle Museum in Pesaro, which also features a documentation center, the Sidecar Museum in Cingoli, the Cycling Museum in Montefano, the Museum of Arts and Trades on Bicycles in Fabriano, and the Museum of Ancient Trades – Pedaling to Work in Massa Fermana.
