The GT20, which stands for Grande Traversata 20, has become an iconic cycling route in Corsica over the years. Inspired by the famous GR20 hiking trail, the GT20 offers a complete crossing of the Isle of Beauty from north to south, connecting Bastia to Bonifacio – or vice versa – via almost 600 kilometers of scenic roads and over 10,000 meters of elevation gain. Much more than just a route, the GT20 is an immersive experience in the heart of an authentic, wild, and deeply contrasting Corsica.
The Cyclo GT20 experience
The Cyclo GT20 embodies the very spirit of this crossing. It is a structured cycling event designed for enthusiasts of long distances, mountains, and personal challenges. There are no rankings or times to beat: the essence of the Cyclo GT20 lies in endurance, sharing, discovery, and respect for the territory. Each participant is invited to experience the adventure at their own pace, competing above all with themselves and the challenging terrain of the island.
The GT20 route follows secondary roads, often with little traffic, which reveal the extraordinary variety of Corsican landscapes. From Cap Corse, with its spectacular sea views, to the mountains of the interior, passing through Balagne, Castagniccia, Niolu, and Alta Rocca, each stage offers a strong and unique identity. Cyclists pass through characterful villages, chestnut forests, deep valleys, and majestic mountain passes, before reaching the more open and luminous landscapes of the south of the island.
The GT20 cycle route is also an extraordinary showcase for cycling tourism in Corsica. It promotes an area that is particularly suited to road cycling, thanks to the quality of its infrastructure, the variety of its elevation profiles, and the beauty of its landscapes. Traveling along the GT20 means discovering a Corsica far from the clichés, an inland island, mineral, agricultural, and pastoral, where the bicycle becomes a real tool for encountering and understanding the territory.
Sustainability, community, and the spirit of the GT20
As part of a sustainable tourism approach, the GT20 promotes respect for the environment and local communities. The cycle tour encourages participants to take their time, stop off in villages, meet the locals, and discover traditional knowledge and Corsican cuisine. Cheeses, cured meats, wines, honeys, and local products punctuate the adventure and contribute fully to the experience.
The GT20 cycle race is also based on a strong collective dynamic, involving local authorities, tourist offices, cycling operators, and local partners. It helps to structure the island’s cycling offer and position Corsica as a leading destination for mountain biking and long-distance cycling. Through this event, the GT20 becomes a tool for promoting the region, but also a lever for economic and tourist development outside the high season.
Finally, the GT20 and its cyclo embody a certain vision of cycling: challenging but accessible, athletic but contemplative, combining effort with wonder. A unique human and sporting adventure, reflecting Corsica itself: intense, authentic, and unforgettable.
