Sport

The scenery is where one of the key stages of the UCI WorldTour - the top world cycling calendar event - has been held for years, namely the Strade Bianche, a road cycling race staged every March in the province of Siena. The route combines the main characteristics of two other classics - the Paris-Roubaix for its stretches on uneven road (in France on cobblestones, in Tuscany on dirt - “white” - roads) and the Tour of Flanders for its short stretches with very high slopes. A difficult race, reserved to the most fearless cyclists, which attracts cycling fans from all over the world to Siena. Back with our feet on the ground, or on the pedals, around the official route used for the championship race, there are many other routes within everyone's reach for discovering the Siena area by bicycle with friends or family.

It is a route loved by professional cyclists (including many big names), but also by those who ride for passion. After all, all the ingredients are there. No major ascents, but several climbs, especially on the 11 gravel sectors adding up to 63 kilometres – the DNA of the race. The roadbed is well kept, but the vibrations, that from the ground reach the arms, recall the effort involved in ancient cycling, unaware of the asphalt and its easy promises of glory. The setting, however, is worth the effort. A blend of art, culture and food and wine excellence with only one risk: it makes you want to get off the saddle and enjoy a unique territory in the world.

The Tuscan countryside around Siena takes in spas as well as excellent food and wine with these five delightful cycling routes through picture postcard nature. The spectacular countryside around Siena, in Tuscany, offers slow rides immersed in nature with the bouquet of wines and truffles, natural spas and very old villages still pervaded by the presence of the ancient Etruscans. Here are five essential itineraries for a truly complete sensory experience. These enchanting landscapes will also welcome stages of the Giro d'Italia 2021.

Spectacular ski runs and engaging trails, where to devote yourself to ski as well as to freeriding, cross-country skiing, snow-kiting or take on an exciting off-track ride: in central and southern Italy there are many (sensational) destinations where to enjoy snow sports. The most renowned destinations include Gran Sasso and Mount Etna, Aspromonte and La Sila plateau, Abetone, but also Terminillo, Alto Sangro and the Samnite Apennines, between Molise and Campania. In central and southern Italy, there are more than one hundred ski areas for skiers and snowboarders, with both soft and challenging slopes, that attracts many enthusiasts every winter. So not just the Alps: also the Apennines offer emotions to all people visiting in winter. Which are the most interesting ski areas in central and southern Italy?

Leaping through the trees without touching the ground to test your balance and nerves while properly equipped with safety devices, such as harnesses, pulleys, carabiners and helmets: here are 5 adventure parks perfect for family fun, with routes at different heights and difficulties suitable for adults and children.

Every year, new sites are explored and equipped in Italy where you can enjoy this sport and discover otherwise unreachable gorges and canyons. In the Alps, along the Apennines or on the islands: there are so many scenarios for venturing into slots or cracks in the land that streams and rivers often creep into. These places must be enjoyed in groups and always with expert guides who know all the local secrets and pitfalls. The experience is breath-taking, especially when suddenly finding yourself "inside" the land, with light filtering from above in a surreal atmosphere. Not to mention climbs, dives in natural pools of rare beauty, descents and ascents of scenic waterfalls.