Monte Carpegna from Carpegna

Halfway through the village, a sign points left, towards Cippo Street. That's where the real work begins. I decided to start briskly right away, but that went well for about a kilometre and a half.
Then you come to a plaque of Marco Pantani and the climb really begins. Sixteen per cent ascent! On the tarmac are texts recalling Pantani, and along the side of the road are several signs dedicated to him.

After that first stretch, it doesn't get much lighter. The gradient continues to fluctuate between 7.5 and 13 per cent. The climb has 22 bends and passes through a densely forested area. Halfway up, cars are no longer allowed on the road. It gets quieter there, just you and the climb.

Towards the end is another tough stretch. I was already five kilometres out of breath, so that could be added too.
And at the top, at the famous sign? Stopped for a photo, of course. That one belongs!

I will not add photos as mine are identical to those already uploaded! The Carpegna first of all excites and at least if you are not from the area, those who come from a little far away go there in a sort of pilgrimage... and it is worth it. I will say that the climb is also technically demanding, constant and arduous, and long enough. I am from Tuscany and I got there by crossing the Apennines, so I appreciated the extreme variety of valleys, passes, unexpected and hard by-passes. In short, an area to be reckoned with for cyclists, both sportspeople and cycling tourists.

A mythical climb, linked not only to the memory of the Pirate (he used to train on these ramps) but also to the Giro d'Italia and the Tirreno, great champions of cycling past and present have passed through here, from Merckx to Pogacar, from Fuentes to Pantani. The climb is almost entirely immersed in a dense forest that opens up here and there to a breathtaking panorama, the gradients are always acid from the first to the last metre, you have to manage yourself well and calibrate your effort.

The climb to the top of Pantani's col from Carpegna in 22 (!) clearly marked hairpin bends is one for lovers of steep bites. In fact, coming from the coast, you first have to go up for about a good 40 km - although thankfully this is relatively moderate - before you can shoot your last cartouches here. The monument in honour of Pantani ('The Cartegna is enough for me.') stands neatly in the forest and a little further on you'll find a handy little fountain. Just before the summit there is another one like it. The beginning of the climb is the hardest.

A mythical climb that at various points recalls Marco and other champions of the past.
Often dirty because in the middle of the forest, especially the second part which is closed to traffic.