Pretare, the "Fairyland"
The start is from Forca di Presta, a road pass in the Umbria-Marches Apennines, located 1550 metres above sea level. You tackle what is considered by cyclists to be one of the most beautiful climbs in the Sibillini Mountains, leaving the large plateau of Castelluccio di Norcia behind you. Continue cycling downhill on the Valfluvione Provincial Road, passing through Pretare, the "Country of the Fairies": legend has it that, here, the wicked sorceress Sibilla cast a spell on beautiful fairies, who descended into the valley to dance with the local shepherds. The site still shows the devastating signs of the earthquake that completely destroyed the area in 2016.
Pescara del Tronto, arrived at destination
The route continues downhill towards Arquata del Tronto, a town on the border between two National Parks: the Monti Sibillini to the north and the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga to the south. Once a fortress town, as evidenced by the imposing medieval fortress that dominates the valley, it is a place rich in historical and natural beauty. Continue cycling along the course of the Tronto river until you reach the small hamlet of Pescara del Tronto, the finishing stage of our itinerary.
