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sports events
From L'Eroica to the White Roads
Siena is not only a capital of art and history; over the years, it has become a global reference point for those who love sport lived in symbiosis with nature and legend. The Sienese land, with its rolling hills and famous "strade bianche" (white roads), offers a natural backdrop that challenges the athlete and enchants the spectator, making every competition a unique event in the world.
In recent years, the absolute protagonist has been world-class cycling. The "Strade Bianche" race is now defined as the "Sixth Monument": an epic race where cycling champions battle through the dust and mud of dirt tracks, only to face the final, brutal climbing kilometer along Via Santa Caterina before triumphing in the glory of Piazza del Campo. It is here that modern sport marries the heroism of the past, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the legendary duels of Coppi and Bartali.
But sport in Siena is also about slowness and discovery. The Via Francigena, which crosses the heart of the city, invites thousands of walkers and trekking enthusiasts every year to traverse medieval paths connecting villages and castles. Whether it is the "Siena Marathon" or vintage cycling events like "L'Eroica", sport in the Sienese territory is never just about the stopwatch; it is a way to breathe in the beauty of the landscape, where effort is always rewarded by breathtaking views of cypress rows or the peaks of Mount Amiata in the distance.
attraction
curiosity
the advice
The Via Francigena in Siena is a fundamental stage of this ancient pilgrimage route. You can walk the section leading toward Buonconvento to admire breathtaking panoramas among the vineyards and visit some of the most beautiful villages in the province
Urban Trekking: Siena is the capital of urban trekking. There are marked routes that cross hidden green valleys within the city walls, such as the Valle di Porta Giustizia
L’Eroica: This famous cycling event is raced on vintage bikes and in wool jerseys. It is a tribute to the cycling of yesteryear and passes through the most beautiful villages in the province
information for the tourist
ermanent Routes: Many sections of the "Strade Bianche" are marked and accessible year-round by gravel or mountain bike. Download the official GPS tracks before setting off.
Via Francigena: If you decide to walk a stage, remember that the Siena-Ponte d'Arbia section is one of the most beautiful but also one of the longest and sunniest: bring plenty of water and start at dawn.
Events: Check the official events calendar on the Municipality of Siena website: in addition to the major races, there are often local fun runs and footraces that liven up the city's districts