Italy draws countless visitors for its art and cuisine, but beyond its celebrated museums and world-class restaurants, the country offers breathtaking natural landscapes—vast lakes, rugged mountains, and rolling hills adorned with postcard-perfect villages. In short, it’s a paradise for cyclists.
With excellent bike trails weaving through its 20 regions, Italy boasts a thriving cycling culture. We turned to Alberto Bettiol, a professional road cyclist with the UCI WorldTeam EF Education–EasyPost and a proud Tuscan native, to share his top Italian cycling adventures.
“Cycling is deeply rooted in Italy,” says Bettiol. “Our tradition dates back to the early 1900s with legends like Learco Guerra and, of course, Gino Bartali.” Bettiol, who recently raced in the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and claimed victory in the 2024 Milan-Turin race, is currently representing Italy at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. “After that, I’m heading back to Tuscany,” he shares. “It’s rare for professional cyclists to feel at home because we’re always on the road. But as soon as I can, I return to Castelfiorentino.”
For Bettiol, cycling in Italy is about enjoying the trails for pure pleasure—accompanied by culinary stops along the way. “It’s wonderful to visit Florence, Siena, or Pisa,” he says. “But Italy’s charm also lies in its small towns, rich with history, stunning views, and incredible food. Every dish has a story behind it.”
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