The mountain bike gran fondo in the heart of the Casentino, in Pratovecchio Stia
Straccabike is one of the longest-running and most beloved mountain bike gran fondo races in Central Italy. Every year, on the last Sunday of August, it draws hundreds of enthusiasts to Pratovecchio Stia, a town in the province of Arezzo nestled in the Casentino, the green valley of the upper Arno in Tuscany. The race is organized with passion by the Gruppo Sportivo Avis Pratovecchio, which meticulously handles the marking and maintenance of the trails.
What makes Straccabike special is the territory it traverses: the trails wind through the ancient forests of the Casentino, along scenic ridges and old mule tracks, featuring technical and demanding climbs that test both legs and resolve. The route brushes past historic landmarks like the Castello di Porciano and crosses hamlets and hills that offer stunning views of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines. The format includes multiple routes of varying lengths and elevations, catering to competitive racers, amateurs, and younger riders alike.
Straccabike is part of the Tour3Regioni calendar, the MTB gran fondo circuit that unites Tuscany, Romagna, and the Marche with eight high-level events from April to September. Within the circuit, the Pratovecchio race represents one of the most anticipated stages of the second half of the season, prized for the beauty of its trails and the warmth of the local Casentino hospitality.
Beyond the competition, the day is a true festival for the town: the headquarters are at the Kauzen Stadium, where registration checks and the traditional pasta party take place, while the start and finish area brings the streets of central Pratovecchio to life. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the Casentino, its traditions, and its gastronomy during a late-summer weekend dedicated to cycling and nature.
The 34th edition of Straccabike returns on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Pratovecchio Stia, confirming its status as a highlight of the late mountain bike season in Tuscany. The event is included as the seventh stage of the 2026 Tour3Regioni circuit, which winds through Tuscany, Romagna, and the Marche.
The start is scheduled for 09:30, with the meeting point and registration checks at the Kauzen Stadium and the start/finish line along Via Fiorentina. As per tradition, multiple routes of varying lengths and difficulties are expected, traversing the dirt tracks and climbs of the Casentino.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (routes, distances, elevation gains, schedules, and registration procedures) will be published in the weeks leading up to the race on the official website straccabike.it and on the Tour3Regioni circuit channels.
Based on recent editions, the format includes:
Meeting point, registration checks, and pasta party at the Kauzen Stadium; start at 09:30 from Via Fiorentina.
Seventh stage of the 2026 Tour3Regioni circuit; routes through the woods and ridges of the Casentino; start and finish in the center of Pratovecchio with a final pasta party.
Pratovecchio Stia can be reached by car via the SS70 della Consuma or the SR71 del Casentino. By train, it is served by the Arezzo-Stia line (Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano), with a stop in Pratovecchio. The nearest airport is Florence-Peretola.
Meeting point, registration checks, and the pasta party are at the Kauzen Stadium; the start and finish line are along Via Fiorentina, in the center of Pratovecchio.
Registration is handled online through the dedicated timing platform and the official website straccabike.it. Early bird discounts are generally available.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Kauzen Stadium
Via Fiorentina, 52015 Pratovecchio Stia