TECHNIQUE
The distance run is not extreme, 66.4 km, but the two climbs up to the Futa Pass (a total of 1,100 m in height) require first-rate physical condition.
The road surface is rather good and part of the tour runs through the woods. This helps endure the extreme heat in summer, which, on the other hand, is the best season to cycle at an altitude of over 900 metres (a jacket is nonetheless recommended).
The two climbs are not exceedingly steep but, given their length, low gears are necessary (at least 39/25 in.) to prevent “straining” leg muscles before tackling the next climb.
If we want to match our skills with past champions by timing “our very own” Futa Crono-Scalata, we must remember that the record is held by Francesco Casagrande at 25 minutes, 21.11 seconds.
Download specifications (in Italian)
This tour starts in Barberino di Mugello, and not by chance. The first part, in fact, runs along the route of a famous bicycle race that was held in Mugello until just a few years ago: the Barberino – Futa Pass Crono-Scalata. For numerous years, well-known cyclists, both amateur and professional, have competed in this evocative ascent.
The tour starts in the town square, which hosts an open market every Saturday, and on which some of the town’s main buildings stand, and moves towards the Futa Pass – present also in the Barberino–Fiorano Modenese stage of the 2007 Giro.
Once outside the town and past the intersection with the road leading to Montepiano - a village that is situated in the Prato Apennines and can be reached by the road that from Mangona crosses the steep Crocetta Pass, - the road enters a forest and starts an ascent that is at first gentle and then definitely trying. To reach the Futa Pass the road passes through the localities of San Gavino, Montecarelli, Santa Lucia, Monte di Fo and L’Apparita.
At 14.5 kilometres from the start of the tour, we find ourselves at the Futa Pass (903 metres above sea level) at what is known as the muraglione, the great wall. It was, in fact, constructed to protect travellers and carts from the rough winds, and provides a perfect rest stop. We find there a plaque in memory of Gastone Nencini, whose feats in the 60’s brought fame and glory to this harsh environment. Raised on a pole on the left is a German flag to remind us of the presence of one of the most important German war cemeteries in Italy.
Once across the pass, we move in the direction of Bologna. The road is ridden with climbs and descents, some that run through a forest and some that are in the open and allow us to admire the majestic Apennine landscape that towers above us and then slopes down to the Santerno River valley. Just past the town of Il Covigliaio, at 22.7 km, instead of taking the road that leads up to the Raticosa Pass, we turn right towards Firenzuola, the home of “pietra serena” (grey sandstone). This strip of road descends quickly and though it is extremely fascinating it is not always protected by guard rails.
At 28.8 kilometres, we reach the bottom of the valley and turn back towards the Futa Pass along another route. At Cornacchiaia (31.4 km), we start a new ascent. At this point we may want to fill up on water and, if necessary, have something to eat before tackling the second climb of the day. The ascent is gentle until we reach 32.8 km, but then the road climbs at a minimum gradient of 5% for the next 6 kilometres, touching peaks of 10-12% after Castro di San Martino and Segalari. A considerable amount of strength is needed to make the climb, and it must be dosed especially well if you don’t want to risk “collapsing” before reaching the peak.At 38.7 kilometres we reach the Futa Pass and on the left we descend towards Barberino di Mugello. We will not, however, take the same road down. At Santa Lucia (42.8 km), in fact, we again turn left, his time towards the town of Panna, where the mineral spring by the same name is found (not at all unusual in this territory rich in springs). The road climbs and dips through the forest until, in the last stretch, it descends rather quickly. The view is splendid, and given the almost total absence of cars we can allow ourselves to be lulled by the bends as we glide down to the bottom of the valley.
At 50.9 kilometres from the start of our journey we reach Galliano. We cycle through the open plains towards Barberino. Before returning to our starting point, we can admire Bilancino Lake, an artificial lake that was finished in the 90’s and has given this part of Mugello a new dimension. It is not only a tourist attraction and a significant font of income for the territory, but also a strategic water reserve for the entire province.
At the crossroad we turn left onto state road 65, but several hundred metres later, at the roundabout, we go right towards Barberino. A small ramp leads through a short tunnel (opened in 2007) and to a road that coasts the south side of the lake. The limited traffic and lack of difficult climbs allows us to fully enjoy this part of Mugello, which, though it is changing, is still firmly tied to its bucolic past.
After the 66.4 kilometre tour that has allowed us to conquer one of the Apennine passes that is most treasured by cyclists, and to therefore follow in the footsteps of the numerous champions of this challenging and yet fascinating sport, we finally reach Barberino di Mugello.
THINGS TO SEE!
BARBERINO MUGELLOThis Medieval hamlet sprang up at the foot of the Cattani Castle.
In the historical centre we find PRETORIO PALACE, the ancient CHIESA DI S. SILVESTRO, numerous aristocratic residences and the 14TH CENTURY LOGGIATO attributed to Michelozzo.
A visit to the Villa of CAFAGGIOLO, residence of Lorenzo the Magnificent, found in the surrounding area is recommended.
Barberino di Mugello City Hall
Tel. 055 84771
Fax 055 8477299
www.comune.barberino-di-mugello.fi.it
