Sulle strade dei campioni

The magic of cycling on the roads of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France: the heart of the Maritime Alps. The route follows the route of the La Fausto Coppi, one of the longest-running amateur cycling competitions in Italy and Europe. The summit of the Colle Fauniera (2,484 m), where a monument dedicated to the unforgettable champion Marco Pantani stands, marks the culmination of a route that winds for 177 km from the Cuneo plain to the high mountain peaks, skirting grassy pastures and clear streams in a panoramic and scenic setting that will repay your efforts. It's certainly worth the effort and commitment required to tackle it. The treacherous slopes are a constant challenge, but the satisfaction of completing the circuit quickly makes you forget the fatigue, bringing back fond memories of an experience highly recommended for cycling enthusiasts who love tackling steep climbs. THE ROUTE 177 km with over 4,000 meters of elevation gain: the route follows the route designed for the Granfondo La Fausto Coppi race, held every July. Starting from the city of Cuneo, after crossing the Soleri viaduct, you turn towards Busca. After 30 km of flat terrain, you tackle the first climb, leading to the Valmala sanctuary (1,380 meters) in the Varaita Valley. Just enough time to catch your breath, and after passing Dronero and crossing the Devil's Bridge, it's time to tackle the second climb, a 10km sprint towards Piatta Soprana and Valle Grana, with gradients peaking at 14% for about 10km. Once you descend into Valle Grana, the most significant climb of the race begins: the 22km climb to Colle Fauniera (2,484m). At the summit, the majestic landscape soon gives way to a long descent leading to Demonte in Valle Stura, a few kilometres from the second and final climb of the route, towards Madonna del Colletto (1,304m). The subsequent descent leads to Valle Gesso, Valdieri, and from there to Borgo San Dalmazzo, returning to Cuneo, towards the finish line. Those wishing to participate in the annual competition can: Visit the Fausto Coppi website.

Attractions

POINTS OF INTEREST The route continues from Cuneo towards Caraglio, at the gateway to the Grana Valley, where you can visit the church of San Giovanni, of Gothic origin but remodeled from the Baroque era onwards, the Capuchin Convent, and the remarkable Red Spinning Mill, built in just two years (1676-78) by the well-known silk entrepreneur Galleani, and today used as the Piedmontese Silk Museum and an exhibition area for modern and contemporary art. The route climbs gently to Pradleves, then the route suddenly becomes steep, and the high peaks of Punta Tempesta and Cima Test appear in the background. At Castelmagno, the valley opens up in all its Alpine charm: a spectacle of nature that on summer days invites you to recharge from the toils of daily routine. Right here, at 1,800 meters above sea level, stands a Sanctuary whose origins appear to date back to the cults of pre-Roman populations: dedicated to San Magno, a brave soldier of the legendary Theban Legion, it preserves paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries. Castelmagno is not only the name of a town, but also of the renowned and delicious DOP cheese produced in the mountain pastures of the upper valley. The Grana Valley is considered a Provençal linguistic enclave: in the lateral valley of Sancto Lucio, in fact, is home to the Coumboscuro Centre Prouvençal, which for years has been dedicated to the recovery and preservation of the Provençal language and local folk and musical traditions. In Sancto Lucio there is also an interesting Ethnographic Museum. After passing Colle Fauniera, you face a steep descent towards Demonte in the Stura Valley, whose historic center is worth a visit. You then continue towards the Madonna del Colletto climb to descend into the Gesso Valley in the municipality of Valdieri, from which you can easily reach many hiking trails in the Maritime Alps Natural Park. Beyond Valdieri, you return to the plains through the town of Borgo San Dalmazzo, where you can visit the Sanctuary of Monserrato, the parish church of San Dalmazzo, and the Deportation Memorial. From Borgo San Dalmazzo, you return towards Cuneo to complete the circuit.  

Departure, arrival and municipalities crossed