6 Cycling Spots in Italy Recommended by an Olympic Athlete

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6 Cycling Spots in Italy Recommended by an Olympic Athlete

These are the recommendations of Olympic cyclist Alberto Bettiol for exploring Italy on two wheels. Love wine? Head to Val d’Orcia. Prefer adventure? Conquer the Dolomites.

Tuscany-born cyclist Alberto Bettiol represented Italy in the men’s road race at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing in 23rd place.

After competitions, Alberto often returns home to relax and recharge on his favorite routes. He emphasizes that cycling in Italy is not just about training or racing but also a way to immerse oneself in the country’s culture, history, and cuisine.

Here are some of his top cycling destinations in Italy:

Table of Contents

Val d’Orcia: A paradise for wine lovers

Alberto recommends cycling in Rome to experience the city in a completely new way. Photo: European Cyclists’ Federation

The region’s terrain is ideal for both mountain and road bikes. Alberto often starts in the medieval city of Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, then heads south through the red-tiled villages of Val d’Orcia.

“Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site,” he notes.

A ride through Val d’Orcia can take a few hours or even a week. When staying overnight, Alberto opts for rental cabins (Airbnb) that offer agritourism experiences. He enjoys tasting the region’s specialties, including Brunello red wine and soft Pecorino di Pienza cheese.

Rome: Exploring the ancient city by bike

Though primarily a road cyclist, Alberto enjoys urban cycling in Italy, and for him, no city offers a more authentic experience than Rome.

Alberto recommends cycling in Rome to experience the city in a completely new way. Photo: European Cyclists’ Federation

Since Italy is known for its traffic congestion, he advises cyclists to avoid busy roads and instead take shortcuts or side streets, which are abundant in major cities like Milan, Turin, and Florence.

In Rome, Alberto loves riding through ancient streets, absorbing the history behind Roman ruins, Baroque squares, and Renaissance palaces. After a long ride, he refuels with traditional pasta dishes and enjoys dining near the Colosseum.

Via Francigena: The pilgrim’s route

While cycling has been part of Italian culture since the 1900s, the Via Francigena dates back to the 6th century. This 1,700 km route starts in Canterbury, England, crosses France and Switzerland, and leads pilgrims to sacred sites in Rome, eventually ending in the southern Apulia region.

The route features diverse terrains, perfect for mountain biking. Alberto enjoys following it alongside pilgrims and fellow cyclists, admiring its rich history and marveling at how medieval travelers once journeyed from Canterbury to Rome.

Today, the route is well-equipped with hostels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, restaurants, and service stations. GPS markers help guide cyclists along the trail, ensuring they never lose their way.

Langhe: Perfect for a romantic weekend

Nestled in Piedmont, between the Po River and the Ligurian Apennines, Langhe offers an idyllic countryside escape. Alberto suggests starting the day with a road bike ride and ending it with a romantic wine-tasting evening.

A perfect cycling date, in his view, begins in Alba, famed for its white truffles. The landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and hilltop villages with castles makes for a breathtaking ride. The region is also home to the Ferrero factory, where the scent of Nutella fills the air, and nearby Turin, the historic city of Fiat.

Alberto’s favorite stop in Langhe is the luxury hotel Relais San Maurizio in Santo Stefano Belbo, a former monastery. He enjoys waking up to vineyard views and having breakfast in a converted chapel. The area also boasts Black Sea mineral spas and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Northern Lakes: A week-long adventure

Alberto recommends starting at Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the Borromean Islands, once owned by the Borromeo aristocrats. From there, he rides to Lake Lugano, then 39 km further to Lake Como.

Beyond the villas of George Clooney and other celebrities, he heads north to Bellagio, a picturesque town. From there, a 9 km ride leads to the sanctuary of La Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, where visitors can admire historic cycling jerseys and learn about the sport’s heritage.

Lake Maggiore is in northern Italy. Photo: Cycle Classic Tours

For those venturing southeast, 180 km away lies Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, home to the stunning town of Sirmione. Further north, in Trentino, riders can savor polenta, a favorite winter dish in colder weather.

To tackle these varied terrains, Alberto switches between traditional mountain bikes, e-bikes, and electric mountain bikes.

The Dolomites: A paradise for climbers

In summer, Italians flock north to the Dolomites.

This breathtaking mountain range in northeastern Italy is a top retreat for locals, offering diverse cuisine, thrilling outdoor activities, and cool temperatures that rarely exceed 25°C.

Alberto suggests spending a week conquering the region’s legendary mountain passes. He begins in Sella Ronda and continues through three other mountain passes before reaching San Pellegrino, a highlight of the Giro d’Italia cycling race.

He is also fond of Livigno, located in the heart of the Valtellina valley, often called the “Tibet of Italy.” This area is a training ground for professional cyclists due to its challenging terrain. For those who prefer a break from cycling, Alberto recommends taking the Bernina Express train to witness Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine landscapes and glaciers.