The Italian region of Emilia Romagna is hosing the Grand Départ of the 111th edition of the Tour de France 2024 on June 29, 2024, for the first time ever.
The first three stages of the iconic cycling race will travel through the breathtaking region of Emilia Romagna, marking the first time in its history that the Tour de France is starting on Italian soil. Beginning in Florence on June 29, 2024, the race promises an unforgettable
experience as it traverses through the scenic landscapes and historic cities of Emilia Romagna.
Stage #1: Florence – Rimini (206 km, 3800 meters of altitude difference)
The first stage sets off from Florence, leading cyclists through a challenging route that crosses the Apennines. This 206 km stage with 3800 meters of altitude difference features
picturesque locations such as Premilcuore, Strada San Zeno, Pianetto, Santa Sofia, San Piero in Bagno, Quarto, Sarsina, Mercato Saraceno, Perticara, Novafeltria, the City of San Marino (RSM), and Cerasolo, culminating in an exhilarating sprint along the Rimini seafront.
Stage #2: Cesenatico – Bologna (200 km)
The second stage starts in the renowned cycling hub of Cesenatico in Emilia Romagna. The route includes several notable Emilia Romagna cities: Cervia, Milano Marittima, Savio, Classe, Ravenna, San Michele,Godo, Russi, Mezzeno, Faenza, Errano, Rontana, Riolo Terme, Ponticelli, Imola, Toscanella, Castel San Pietro Terme, Ozzano dell’Emilia, San Lazzaro di Savena,
Pianoro, and Casalecchio di Reno. The final circuit in Bologna includes a grueling climb on the San Luca hill, promising a thrilling finish.
Stage #3: Piacenza –Turin (225 km)
The third stage, spanning 225 km, begins in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, and takes riders across the heart of the Po Valley. This mostly flat route borrows some roads from the spring classic
“Milan-Sanremo” and crosses into Lombardy and Piedmont.
The Grand Départ in Emilia Romagna is not just a sporting event but an extraordinary spectacle that crosses 38 locations in the region. Known for its deep-rooted cycling traditions, Emilia Romagna will witness a significant media impact and a surge in related activities. Over 200
TV channels worldwide will broadcast the event, with an estimated 1.8 million spectators along the route between Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. The influx of visitors is expected to generate over 300,000 hotel stays during the three stages, contributing to an economic impact exceeding 120 million euros.
Emilia Romagna, already recognized as a top cycling destination, will soon add the prestigious title of Tour de France destination to its list of accolades.
For travelers who are inspired by the Tour de France coverage during these first three stages, here are five cycling experiences to try during a future visit to Emilia Romagna:1. CiClovia del Santerno (All levels)
Located in the Imola area, this 44-km route connects Mordano and Castel del Rio, offering a picturesque ride through the Santerno River Valley.
2. Via della Lana e della Seta MTB (Experienced cyclists)
This 130-km route between Bologna and Prato immerses cyclists in the history and beauty of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.
3. Romagna Toscana Cycling Route (Medium)
A 126-km path linking Bagno di Romagna and
4. Ciclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi (Mountain biking)
A trail that combines natural and historical beauty, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Etruscans across Emilia Romagna.
5. Dante’s Cycle Path (Experienced cyclists)
A 252.6-km route that celebrates Dante’s heritage, connecting Ravenna with picturesque villages and stunning vistas.
How to get there:
Emilia Romagna Region is in the North of Italy, just over the Appenine Mountains from Tuscany, with a number of airlines connecting Bologna to the rest of the world.
More info on: https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en
For additional information on the Grand Depart in Emilia Romagna, please visit:
Join food historian Francine Segan and accomplished race car driver and sportscar historian Frank Celenza for a thrilling ride through Italy’s “Motor Valley.”
Birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and home to the world’s highest concentration of sportscar brands including Dallara, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and Ducati, Italy’s Emilia-Romagna is as well known for its fast cars as it is for its slow-cooked and savored food. Visitors can explore and discover the 11 car museums and four-day Motor Valley Fest.
Many of world’s most famed Italian foods come from Emilia-Romagna, a wondrous region in northern Italy known as the Food Valley, because its world-famous specialty edibles such as Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma–an Italian dry-cured ham served uncooked, Aceto Balsamico, made by cooking grape must from regionally grown wine into a syrup like vinegar that is robust in flavor and a great addition to so many dishes, and Lambrusco wine.
Moderna, one of the region’s gorgeous cities rich in art, music, fashion, and culture, is also home to Osteria Francescana, voted twice as the best restaurants in the world. But don’t expect to just walk it or even call in a day or two advance. Their first available table is seven months from now.
Owner and executive chef Massimo Bottura, born and raised in Modena, says he grew under the kitchen table at his grandmother Ancella’s knees.
“That is where appetite begins for me,” he says. “Inspiration comes from the world around me – from art, music, slow food and fast cars. Catch the flash in the dark because it only passes once. Expect the unexpected.”
Participants in this online interactive event will come away with a greater understanding of Italian culture and food traditions as well as the country’s important role in the world of car manufacturing and racing.
The event is Thursday, June 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET
If you do get to Emilia-Romagna, here’s a curated itinerary courtesy of Emilia-Romagna Tourism.
An ancient route running through the length of Emilia-Romagna, Via Emilia, linking the coastal city of Rimini on the Adriatic Sea with Piacenza in the north, was completed in 187 BC by Roman Consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.
The region is also home to 44 food and wine products with the DOP/IGP guarantee of quality, and the great automotive brands that have made Emilia-Romagna famous all over the world.
Stage #1: Florence – Rimini (206 km, 3800 meters of altitude difference)
The first stage sets off from Florence, leading cyclists through a challenging route that crosses the Apennines. This 206 km stage with 3800 meters of altitude difference features
picturesque locations such as Premilcuore, Strada San Zeno, Pianetto, Santa Sofia, San Piero in Bagno, Quarto, Sarsina, Mercato Saraceno, Perticara, Novafeltria, the City of San Marino (RSM), and Cerasolo, culminating in an exhilarating sprint along the Rimini seafront.
Stage #2: Cesenatico – Bologna (200 km)
The second stage starts in the renowned cycling hub of Cesenatico in Emilia Romagna. The route includes several notable Emilia Romagna cities: Cervia, Milano Marittima, Savio, Classe, Ravenna, San Michele,Godo, Russi, Mezzeno, Faenza, Errano, Rontana, Riolo Terme, Ponticelli, Imola, Toscanella, Castel San Pietro Terme, Ozzano dell’Emilia, San Lazzaro di Savena,
Pianoro, and Casalecchio di Reno. The final circuit in Bologna includes a grueling climb on the San Luca hill, promising a thrilling finish.
Stage #3: Piacenza –Turin (225 km)
The third stage, spanning 225 km, begins in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna, and takes riders across the heart of the Po Valley. This mostly flat route borrows some roads from the spring classic
“Milan-Sanremo” and crosses into Lombardy and Piedmont.
The Grand Départ in Emilia Romagna is not just a sporting event but an extraordinary spectacle that crosses 38 locations in the region. Known for its deep-rooted cycling traditions, Emilia Romagna will witness a significant media impact and a surge in related activities. Over 200
TV channels worldwide will broadcast the event, with an estimated 1.8 million spectators along the route between Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont. The influx of visitors is expected to generate over 300,000 hotel stays during the three stages, contributing to an economic impact exceeding 120 million euros.
Emilia Romagna, already recognized as a top cycling destination, will soon add the prestigious title of Tour de France destination to its list of accolades.
For travelers who are inspired by the Tour de France coverage during these first three stages, here are five cycling experiences to try during a future visit to Emilia Romagna:
1. CiClovia del Santerno (All levels)
Located in the Imola area, this 44-km route connects Mordano and Castel del Rio, offering a picturesque ride through the Santerno River Valley.
2. Via della Lana e della Seta MTB (Experienced cyclists)
This 130-km route between Bologna and Prato immerses cyclists in the history and beauty of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.
3. Romagna Toscana Cycling Route (Medium)
A 126-km path linking Bagno di Romagna and
4. Ciclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi (Mountain biking)
A trail that combines natural and historical beauty, tracing the footsteps of the ancient Etruscans across Emilia Romagna.
5. Dante’s Cycle Path (Experienced cyclists)
A 252.6-km route that celebrates Dante’s heritage, connecting Ravenna with picturesque villages and stunning vistas.
