On June 21, 2025, the Chase the Sun Italia event returns, the most romantic long-distance cycling experience. From Cesenatico to Tirrenia, from dawn to dusk, participants will experience a challenge on two wheels following the natural rhythm of the sun. It’s not a race, but a ride, with each cyclist pedaling at their own pace. No race number, no bib: just a simple orange ribbon tied to the saddle, the distinctive sign of those who choose to pedal, letting the sun be the only timekeeper.
Registration is open and there are two interesting new features. The Chase The Sun Italia is an event selected by Italia dei Giochi, a program of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. A milestone that confirms the value of this two-wheeled adventure, capable of embodying the spirit of passion, endurance, and sharing.
Chase the Sun Italia offers a route of almost 280 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of 2,600 meters, crossing unique landscapes: from the hills of Romagna to the valleys of Chianti, passing through ancient villages and roads immersed in nature. A journey from east to west, from the Adriatic Sea to the Tyrrhenian Sea, celebrating the charm of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. The route, designed using roads with little traffic, crosses the plain between Forlì and Cesena, winds through the hills of Vinci, the ridge of Cerreto Guidi, and panoramic views such as the Certosa di Calci and the Basilica of San Piero a Grado. It crosses the Casentinesi Forests and, following the course of the Arno, from Monte Falterona to its mouth, passes through cities of art such as Florence and Pisa.
To guarantee your place on this adventure, you must register by April 17 (non-members) or May 19 (members).
You can ride alone or in a team
Participants can choose to tackle the challenge individually or in teams of three. The relay format, which requires at least one woman, adds an element of strategy and collaboration to this long-distance ride.
The 2025 edition promises to be even more exciting. Among the first teams to register is Amaro Cycling, with twenty cyclists under 30. Their participation highlights how this event represents an exciting challenge, perfect for experiencing with teammates and friends.
“Chase the Sun Italia is not just a long ride, it is a journey that combines passion, determination, and discovery. Being selected by Italia dei Giochi confirms the beauty and value of this experience, capable of giving authentic emotions to those who choose to tackle the road from dawn to dusk,” commented Paolo Tagliacarne, founder and driving force behind Turbolento Thinkbike.
There are four mandatory checkpoints along the route, which also serve as transition areas for the relay teams: Proloco di Premilcuore (km 73), Bar Cavallino (km 93.5), Ristorante Il Pinone (km 176), and Ristorante I Cristalli (km 238, optional climb to Colle di Calci). The two routes, the main one and the one with an optional climb, meet shortly before Certosa di Calci, giving participants the final kilometers to experience together.
Passport, assistance and luggage transport
Each participant will receive a rider passport, on which they can collect stamps at checkpoints, and the GPX track of the route, available from the end of May. The route is designed to avoid traffic, offering an immersive experience among scenic and architectural jewels.
The ride begins at 5:25 a.m. from the lighthouse at Porto Canale in Cesenatico, one of the symbols of the Adriatic Riviera, with the sun rising behind it. Arrival is scheduled at Bagno Siria in Tirrenia, on the Pisan coast, between 6 and 10 p.m., just as the sun dips into the sea, marking the end of an unforgettable day.
Each team can count on a team car, driven by members on a rotational basis, to provide assistance and logistical support. Each cyclist is required to cover at least 185 km, equivalent to two-thirds of the total route, without having to cover it all in one go. The car, in addition to offering support to teammates, plays an essential role in promoting cycling solidarity, always ready to intervene to help any participants in difficulty.
At the end of the event, the organizers will take care of luggage transportation, so cyclists can relax and enjoy a dip in the sea. Return shuttles from Milan, Bologna, and Viareggio/Pisa are also available, ensuring a comfortable and well-organized experience.
Technical data on climbs
Rocca delle Caminate (km 38): a 7 km climb with an altitude difference of 305 metres, followed by a technical descent towards Predappio.
Valico Tre Faggi (km 78): the Cima Coppi of the route, with 860 metres of altitude difference over almost 40 km, particularly challenging in the second part.
Carmignano (km 162): a 12 km climb with a difference in altitude of 380 metres, culminating at 420 m above sea level.
Colle di Calci (optional): Those looking for an extra challenge can tackle this climb from Buti, with an elevation gain of 610 meters over 11 km, bringing the total elevation gain to 3,200 meters.
There is also the podcast
Chase the Sun Italia reveals itself in a podcast structured in 4 episodes, between 2 and 4 minutes long. An audio journey that accompanies listeners to learn everything about the event.
CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast and CLICK HERE to sign up to Chase the Sun Italia.