The route kicks off in Casale Monferrato with an initial 25 km flat stretch, following the path of Ven.To, the famous Po River Cycle Route. It’s the perfect warm-up before hitting the white-road climb toward Monte Valenza, where the gravel terrain truly takes center stage. The trail then dives into the heart of San Salvatore Monferrato: here, the view opens up over rolling hills thick with vineyards—the undisputed kingdom of Barbera. After passing through Mirabello Monferrato, a village steeped in the memory of cyclist Amleto Giarola, the itinerary heads back toward Casale. The final 22 km unfold over smooth, flat roads, perfect for an easy cruise back to base after soaking in the essence of these UNESCO lands.

The route dedicated to Grignolino DOC is a thrilling challenge that follows in the tire tracks of “Monsterrando,” the famous leg of the UCI Gravel World Series. Starting from Vignale Monferrato, the “Town of Dance,” you’ll dive straight into the Val Grana hills—a paradise of white roads and farm tracks. The trail hits Camagna Monferrato, dominated by the majestic 32-meter-high dome of Sant’Eusebio, before heading toward Lu Monferrato. Here, between the Civic Tower’s Gerbido and Giant Benches No. 98 and 99, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas. After a quick pass near Cuccaro, the track drops down into Fubine Monferrato, the land of Infernot wine cellars and artisanal chocolate. The return to Vignale demands one final push: a demanding yet spectacular off-road climb that will test the legs of even the most seasoned gravel grinders.

The Timorasso Challenge kicks off from Tortona railway station, making it a breeze for those arriving via train+bike. The initial climb leads to the ruins of the Castello, a thousand-year-old fortress contested until the Napoleonic era. The route truly comes alive in Villaromagnano, tackling the very ascents where a young Fausto Coppi forged his legend. Riding through Montale Celli and Carezzano, you’ll reach Castellania Coppi, the birthplace of “The Heron”: here, a stop at Casa Coppi and the Memorial is a must for any cycling fan. After reaching the “Cima Coppi” (the route’s high point at 430 m), the track drops down toward Costa Vescovato and the Grue Valley. Passing through Volpeglino and Viguzzolo—home to the stunning Romanesque Pieve of Santa Maria Assunta—the journey wraps up with ten flat kilometers for a smooth roll back into Tortona.

The route kicks off in Cella Monte, a village famous for its unique Pietra da Cantoni stone and home to the local Eco-museum. After starting from Bar Carpino (equipped with E-bike charging stations), you’ll dive into the Ghenza Valley, a renowned truffle-hunting ground, before climbing back up toward Frassinello and Olivola. The trail hits the enchanting Moleto, a hamlet known for its ancient stone quarries that offer timeless views. Riding through the vineyards of Sala Monferrato—the “Land of Muletta” salami—you’ll catch a glimpse of the fairy-tale castle of Cereseto before tackling the ascent to the Treville hilltop: the square in front of Sant’Ambrogio church offers one of the most stunning panoramic balconies in all of Monferrato. The loop continues toward Rosignano Monferrato, a town perched on tufa rock (don’t miss a stop at Giant Bench No. 41), before heading back to Cella Monte with one final uphill kick.

This challenge kicks off from hallowed ground for any cycling fan: the Museo dei Campionissimi in Novi Ligure, a tribute to legends like Coppi and Girardengo. The route initially winds along quiet backroads toward Pasturana and Tassarolo, where the Spinola Castle serves as the official gateway to the Gavi DOCG hills. Following trails that skirt the Lemme stream and touch the borders of Francavilla Bisio, you’ll reach the charming village of San Cristoforo. The heart of the ride is the arrival in Gavi, dominated by the massive Fortress that stands guard over the Alto Monferrato. After exploring the village—famed for its crisp, mineral white wine—the return to Novi Ligure tackles a few final rolling climbs before wrapping up with ten fast, smooth kilometers on a gentle descent.

The Brachetto d’Acqui Challenge kicks off from the beating heart of Acqui Terme: the Bollente fountain, where thermal water springs from the earth at a staggering 74°C. The route immediately puts your legs to the test as it winds between the Apennines and the Alto Monferrato hills. After passing through Terzo, you’ll tackle the climb toward the medieval village of Montalbone. The trail then follows a panoramic ridgeline, touching Rocchetta Palafea, Castel Boglione, and Castel Rocchero, before reaching Ricaldone—the birthplace of legendary singer-songwriter Luigi Tenco and home to his dedicated museum. Following a descent toward Strevi, renowned for its premium passito dessert wines, one final punchy climb stands between you and the return to Acqui. This 45 km loop is intense and scenic—the perfect blend of sport and authentic rural charm.

The Barbera d’Asti Challenge kicks off from Piazza del Palio, just a stone’s throw from the Asti railway station. The route heads toward the Roero district, immediately tackling the Mongardino hill, home to the 18th-century “Chapels of the Way of the Cross.” After crossing the Tanaro River, you’ll climb the San Martino Alfieri hillside, dominated by the Marchesi Alfieri castle, before crossing into the Cuneo province to reach the Royal Castle of Govone, a Baroque masterpiece. The loop back into the Asti area takes you through San Damiano d’Asti, a 13th-century “new town” famous for its medieval grid layout and Romanesque treasures. The “Cima Coppi” (the high point of the ride) is set in Tigliole, on the very roads that served as the training ground for the legendary Giovanni Gerbi, the “Red Devil.” The final 16 flat kilometers along the Borbone stream offer a smooth, fast run back into the heart of Asti.

The Canelli Challenge is a short but intense ride, defined by its significant elevation gain. It kicks off from Piazza Gancia with an immediate climb toward the Castle and the village of Calosso. After crossing into the Langhe district, you’ll reach Castiglione Tinella—one of Italy’s most vine-dense municipalities—before dropping down into Santo Stefano Belbo, the birthplace of writer Cesare Pavese. This is where the real work begins: a grueling 6 km ascent to the “Cima Coppi” (the route’s high point at 570 m), offering an unrivaled panoramic balcony. The trail continues along the ridgeline toward the Sanctuary of Caffi and reaches Cassinasco, a village famous for its tower and nougat-making tradition. A final plunging descent brings you back to Canelli, where a visit to the Underground Cathedrals—masterpieces of winemaking engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site—is the only way to end the day.

The Nebbiolo Challenge sets off from the historic station of Moncalvo, Italy’s smallest city and the first capital of the ancient Marquisate. The route is a deep dive into the Middle Ages: after passing through Alfiano Natta and Frinco, you’ll climb to Cossombrato and reach the Parish Church of Saints Nazario and Celso, an 11th-century jewel of Asti Romanesque architecture. Riding through Montechiaro and Cortanze, you’ll arrive in Montiglio Monferrato, the renowned “Village of Sundials.”
Entering the Val Cerrina, the route touches Villadeati before taking on the ascent to the Sacro Monte di Crea (UNESCO), with its 23 chapels set within a protected natural park. The return, winding between the castles of Ponzano and Salabue, offers uninterrupted views over rolling hills that once welcomed pilgrims along the Via Francigena. A route of maximum difficulty, rewarded by monumental beauty unlike any other.

The Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato Challenge offers the thrill of riding the very trails of “Monsterrando,” a premier round of the UCI Gravel World Series. The starting line is at the Montegrosso d’Asti railway station, a strategic hub for those opting for the train+bike combo. The heart of the route beats within the woods of the Rocchetta Tanaro Natural Park: a true “Sherwood Forest” where the off-road terrain becomes technical and immersive. After crossing the Tanaro River, you’ll reach Quattordio—a historic global starting point—before hitting a long stretch of white roads toward Cerro Tanaro. Here, the “Sarachet” Bicycle Museum stands out as a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts. The return journey unfolds along the scenic embankments of the Tanaro and quiet backroads, leading back to Montegrosso after one final, gritty panoramic kick.

The Barbaresco Challenge kicks off from Alba, the capital of the Langhe and truffles, following the first stretch of the upcoming Wine Cycle Route. The itinerary climbs toward Guarene, an “Orange Flag” village dominated by an imposing 18th-century castle, before hitting Castagnito and the medieval charm of Neive, the “Land of 4 Wines.” Riding through spectacular Nebbiolo vineyards, you’ll reach the village of Barbaresco: here, a stop at the foot of its 36-meter-high medieval tower is a must. After scaling the hills of Treiso, a landscape dear to the writer Beppe Fenoglio, you’ll hit the “Cima Coppi” at the Rocche dei Sette Fratelli—a jaw-dropping 9-hectare geological canyon steeped in legend. A long, panoramic descent along the trails finally brings your wheels back into Alba.

The Roero Arneis Challenge is a total test of endurance along the “Great Roero Trail.” Starting from Bra, the gastronomic capital and heart of Slow Food, the itinerary dives into the geological phenomenon of the Rocche: canyons and sandstone spires born millennia ago from the Tanaro River’s diversion. Riding through Sommariva Perno and Baldissero d’Alba, you’ll reach Montà, home to the Rocche Eco-museum—the perfect spot to grasp this unique landscape. The trail then hits Corneliano d’Alba, with its rare ten-sided tower, before arriving in Pocapaglia, a village dominated by wild canyons and legends of “Masche” (local witches). With a 1,340-meter elevation gain across technical trails and farm tracks, this is a primordial, high-octane journey that will challenge even the most experienced riders in the most “outgoing” heart of the Roero.

The journey begins at Tagliolo Castle, where the medieval skyline towers over a landscape draped in Alto Monferrato vineyards. After a few opening kilometers on quiet roads, you’ll dive straight into the gravel tracks climbing toward the ridgelines of Silvano d’Orba. Here, the riding becomes fluid and scenic, with hard-packed surfaces and constant vistas opening over the hills—a rhythmic sequence of rolling climbs and descents through manicured vine rows and small woodlands. The route continues until Rocca Grimalda Castle suddenly appears, looming over the valley with one of the area’s most striking viewpoints—the perfect spot for a quick breather before getting back in the saddle.
From here, the track weaves through the dirt roads connecting Rocca Grimalda to Carpeneto, a stretch where the terrain varies but remains perfectly rideable, characterized by frequent tempo changes and bright, open landscapes. A descent leads toward Ovada, the winemaking heart of the region, where a stop at the Regional Enoteca offers a chance to refuel and savor the local culture. The return leg follows the Orba River valley on a smoother, more relaxing path through lush riverside vegetation—a pleasant contrast to the high ridges of the outward journey. The loop closes back in Tagliolo Monferrato, where you can explore the castle cellars and the stunning infernot—home to historic bottles dating back to the early 1800s—and, of course, enjoy a glass of Ovada DOCG, the true symbol of this corner of Piedmont.