The route is about 36 km long from start to finish, with an elevation gain of over 550 metres. It is a circular itinerary that starts and ends at the same point, crossing the most beautiful and evocative hills in the province of Cuneo. 

The route starts from Clavesana, from the central square, near the Ethnic Museum and heads on a paved road towards the bridge that crosses the Tanaro river. As soon as you cross the bridge, near the churches of Madonna della Neve and delle Gere, turn right and take Via Borgate Tetti. At the intersection, ride a stretch of the main road until you reach the junction for Farigliano. Turn right and start climbing.

Farigliano is thought to have been founded in Roman times by a cohort of Sarmatian soldiers, invited to those wild moors to cultivate the land. Its name derives from Forofulviem. Almost nothing remains of its ancient vestiges, in fact the castle was destroyed in 1537 during the war between Francis I and Charles V. Climbing towards Belvedere Langhe, you can admire the Piloni del Rosario: 14 pillars in sequence, representing the life of Jesus, designed by Schellino in 1872, which wind their way up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie along the provincial road 661 leading to Belvedere Langhe.

Once you have reached Belvedere Langhe, stop and admire the wonderful panorama before you. The highlight of Belvedere is its landscape: from the top of the village, around the ruins of the castle that the French destroyed in 1600, you can admire an immense panorama, which embraces the entire Langa area up to the Alps. Ride about a kilometre, then turn right and continue downhill on main road 59 towards Bastia di Mondovì. Pass through the small villages of Mirabello, Ca Veie and Ca di Mezzo. At the crossroads, turn left towards Surie: the road continues downhill to another crossroads, from which it continues to head towards Bastia di Mondovì.

The descent is very beautiful and affords a splendid view of the plain below. However, it features some hairpin bends that need to be tackled with care. Skirt the Ciri area and you’ll come to the shrine on the top of a hill. It is a very striking place, commissioned at the end of 1945 by the famous Commander Mauri. The names of around 800 partisans are listed along the avenue leading to the chapel.

After the short detour, return to the road and cycle to Bastia di Mondovì. At the gates, if it’s open, stop to visit the Cappella di San Fiorenzo: also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Cuneo Alps.
The “San Fiorenzo APS” Cultural Association, established in 1999 following the completion of the restoration of the church, is in charge of its conservation. Inside, it houses one of the most important late-Gothic pictorial cycles in Piedmont, dated 1472 AD: one of the rare expressions of biblia pauperum with representations of Christ, the Evangelists, Paradise, Hell, childhood and the Passion of Christ.

From Bastia di Mondovì, cover the last 9 kilometres with because it will take you back towards Clavesana on the Fondovalle road, which is usually busy, especially on weekends. 

Download Cycling and Cycling Tourism Itineraries in the Province of Cuneo