Chestnut Cycling Tour

An autumn ride in the heart of Marsica

The Chestnut Cycling Tour is a mountain bike event that transforms the village of Sante Marie, in the Marsica region, into a hub for cycling enthusiasts from across Abruzzo and beyond every autumn. Organized by the Italian Sports Center - L'Aquila Committee in partnership with the Municipality of Sante Marie, the Pro Loco, and local sports groups, the event blends a passion for cycling with the beauty of autumn landscapes, as the woods turn shades of red and gold and chestnuts carpet the trails.

Routes through woods, villages, and springs

The event features three tracks suitable for all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy a day of sport and exploration:

• Family Route (approx. 12-18 km, low elevation gain): designed for families, parents, and children, on easy roads and dirt paths;
• Base Route (approx. 28 km, 650 m elevation gain): for those seeking a moderate challenge;
• Advanced Route (approx. 38 km, 1000 m elevation gain): reserved for more experienced bikers.

The trails wind through the Valle Macina and the chestnut groves of Castel Vecchio, following ancient routes such as the pre-Roman Reate-Alba Fucens and the Via degli Equi, including sections of the Brigands' Trail and the Corradino Trail. The course passes through small villages, numerous natural springs, and the charming courtyard of the Castle of Scanzano, offering authentic glimpses of the Abruzzo Apennine hinterland.

Sport, nature, and tradition

The Chestnut Cycling Tour is not a speed race but a non-competitive cycling event open to all, where participation, conviviality, and the promotion of the territory take center stage. The event is recognized as the CSI National MTB Hiking Championship and serves as the final stage of the CiclOtour Abruzzo Experience, a circuit that leads cyclists to discover the villages and landscapes of the region throughout the season.

The bond with Sante Marie and the chestnut

Sante Marie, a mountain municipality in the province of L'Aquila in the heart of Abruzzo, relies on this event to promote its tourism and sports offerings. The chestnut, the symbolic protagonist of the event, highlights the local chestnut groves and the village's autumnal atmosphere. After the ride, participants gather for a convivial pasta party and award ceremonies, in a festive spirit that unites sport, nature, and tradition.