A stage for those who love a challenge: steep climbs and majestic views, through the most silent, surprising heart of the Marche region, with high altitude villages, Romanesque abbeys and a balcony that embraces the entire region.

The stage starts from Genga, among silent gorges and shady woods. 
To avoid the more demanding stretch you can take the train to Castelplanio. Remaining in the saddle you have an immediate, strenuous climb through lonely valleys where Monte San Vicino begins to be seen in the distance. Just before Apiro is the Abbey of San Urbano, Romanesque and essential. Then a climb to Apiro, a village nestling on a panoramic spur, where the landscape opens up to the surrounding valleys. Below is Lake Castreccioni, a large body of water nestled between the hills. We continue through hills and vineyards towards Cupramontana, home of Verdicchio wine and guardian of rural culture, also celebrated in the Museum of Labels. Regular ups and downs take you to Cingoli, the “Balcony of Le Marche”, with sweeping views from the mountains to the sea. The centre, with its walls and squares, offers an authentic welcome. So much fatigue and every bend to get here is finally rewarded.