Team Cyan Nord – training trip on bike in Italy

Medieval towns, trattoria lunches and the beach

The rolling landscape between Marche and Emilia-Romagna offers exactly the variety we want on a training trip. From the coast, the roads head inland between hills, vineyards and small villages, with both flat sections and climbs that eventually make themselves felt in the legs.

Along the way, we cycle through a landscape where medieval towns sit on the hills above us. Saludecio, San Leo, Mondaino and Urbino – the latter on the UNESCO World Heritage List – are among the places in the area, along with the small republic of San Marino. Some days there will be many altitude meters, other days slightly flatter terrain.

And this is Italy, so the breaks are part of the day. An espresso in the square, a cold drink along the way or a good lunch at a local trattoria before we pedal on towards Gabicce Mare.

Both cycling shoes and flip-flops

When the bikes are parked at the hotel, the day is not necessarily over either. Hotel Marinella is practically on the beach, so on days we are back early enough, it is just a few steps down to the Adriatic Sea. A swim, some time in the sun lounger and legs up before we gather for dinner.

We have the same base all week, so the suitcase can remain untouched while we set out on new routes from the hotel every day. This gives a nice rhythm to the days: breakfast, cycling, small and big experiences along the way – and back to Gabicce Mare when the day's kilometers are completed.