It comes as no surprise to learn that the rolling hills of Tuscany are home to a number of cycling clubs that meet to explore some of the most scenic and challenging routes. Giving the sport a social side, a cycling group is a perfect way to stretch the potential of this summer’s latest source of inspiration: the Tour de France.

ASD Mugello Toscana Bike welcomes new members of every motivation, from racers to day-trippers, and opens access to its many services to non-members. ASD VeloClub Florence By Bike likewise joins together cycling enthusiasts of all ages and nationalities, with more leisurely outings on Saturdays and competitive activities on Sundays.
For trips through the hills surrounding Pisa, the Randonée MTB della Valdera prioritizes the enjoyment of the natural surroundings, and organizes three routes of varying difficulties for each outing, ensuring that cyclists of a range of abilities can get involved.
More serious competitors can look to Toscana CRIT, Rouleur Cycling Team and Toscana Factory Team, which developed the corratec Professional Cycling Team, which sends cyclists all over the world for races, but continues to be based in Montecatini Terme.
Cycling club experiences
Founded by cycling enthusiasts in 2000 with a view to cultivating friendship and healthy competition, Badia Cycling Club now boasts more than 50 members. We spoke to a few of them to find out their favourite cycling routes and advice on biking in Tuscany.
“We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, which means that we can cycle in the Apennine mountains, the hills of Chianti, the Crete Senesi with their gravel paths made famous by the L’Eroica vintage bike race, and the Tuscan coast. We always take the bike accessories needed for personal safety. Our advice to newcomers is to find a group like ours, which places an importance on being in company rather than pure competition. Join us at badiacyclingteam@gmail.com.”
-Guido, Simone, Maurizio, Filippo + Giuseppe

“I got into cycling many years ago as Florence and Tuscany offer some of the best and most varied routes. It’s a fantastic way to really get to know the territory. Florence is the perfect city to start from as you don’t even need a car to quickly reach the beautiful rural hotspots like Chianti, Mugello and Casentino. My favorite part of Chianti is the southern part near Siena and Castelnuovo Berardenga. For the more classic climbs, I suggest the epic San Baronto, Consuma and Futa routes. Tuscany is also home of some of the most famous cycling meets like the L’Eroica, Strade Bianche and the Chianti Classico Gran Fondo. I always bring plenty of water, energy bars and my cell phone with the GPS locator turned on. I also bring a small repair kit, a compressed air pump and a first aid kit. The best way to start is to join a cycling club! Florence has many to choose from. I chose Badia because some of my friends were already riding there. We are a great mix of young and old, in shape and not, but we always have loads of fun and the camaraderie is never lacking!”
-Nina

“My favourite routes are San Casciano to Badia a Passignano and the wine road between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci. I never leave the house without my water bottle and cell phone. My advice for first-time cyclists in Tuscany is that every ride adds emotions and quality to your life!”
-Sara
