Venture with the Granfondo into some of the most attractive corners of the Ligurian Riviera encompassing culture, history and gastronomy
OPENRUNNER
The ‘Classicissima’ Sanremo-Sanremo is the right race to trace the paths of the great champions of yesterday and today, a Granfondo that winds through the roads of the most beautiful locations in the province of Imperia. The starting point for the Granfondo route in Sanremo is on Lungomare Salvo d’Acquisto, San Remo, just steps from the sea.
After crossing the city of Sanremo, the race continues on the Aurelia highway, along the coast and reaching the capital Imperia, formed by Oneglia, an important port and always an active center in the trade of extra virgin olive oil, and Porto Maurizio, which overlooks the coast and the Ligurian Sea from above. At this point, the route ascends towards the Val Prino, passing through Dolcedo, reaching Pantasina, passing Vasia, and descending back to Imperia before climbing again to the small hamlet of Bellissimi, from there heading towards Civezza.
The Granfondo reaches San Lorenzo al Mare at this point, another typical Ligurian town that is divided between the hillside village and the coastal area developed around the Rio San Lorenzo. Cyclists are back on the coast briefly, and waiting for them are the toughest climbs of the ‘Sanremo,’ including the ascent of Cipressa, which guards a well-preserved historic center revealing enchanting corners. The backdrop to the village is the olive groves from which the precious extra virgin olive oil is derived.
Descending to Santo Stefano al Mare, and after a few hundred meters, you start climbing again towards Terzorio, where the second refreshment point is located, to continue towards Pompeiana, then Castellaro. At this point, it descends to Taggia, a municipality at the entrance to the valley divided between the historic center and the charming seaside resort of Arma di Taggia, with its sandy beaches awarded the Blue Flag in recent years.
Taggia’s historic center is the second most important in Liguria after Genoa. Worth visiting are the numerous churches that dot it, especially the Convent of the Dominican Fathers, of considerable historical and artistic interest. Noteworthy as a local specialty are the canestrelli di Taggia, delightful circles of crispy, salty pastry, excellent as a snack or as a bread substitute, with one of the fundamental ingredients being the extra virgin olive oil from the region.
The Granfondo route then crosses Arma di Taggia to continue on the Aurelia highway, this time westward and towards the final obstacle, the legend of the Classicissima: the Poggio di Sanremo.
After a few hairpin bends, the Poggio fraction rewards the efforts of the previous kilometers. After this long journey through some of the most picturesque corners of the western Ligurian region, a toast with a glass of fresh Vermentino and a piece of warm Sardenaira, Sanremo’s most famous specialty, is a must
Schedule Table
| Granfondo Sanremo 120 km |
| VILLA ORMOND, Corso Cavallotti 113, San Remo
Imperia Dolcedo Pantasina Vasia Imperia Bellissimi Civezza San Lorenzo al mare Cipressa Santo Stefano al mare Pompeiana Castellaro Taggia Arma di Taggia Poggio di Sanremo (Finish)
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