1st ROUTE: San Vittore alle Chiuse – Matelica (42 km)

The first stage of the Frasassi MTB Tour kicks off from theAbbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse, just a few hundred meters from the entrance to the famous Frasassi Caves, and arrives in Matelica, a pretty town famous for its renowned Verdicchio wine. The route, of great naturalistic and scenic interest, climbs rapidly in altitude and travels along a long stretch of the Marche ridge, passing just below the summit of Mount San Vicino, before descending back into the valley of Matelica.

Technical description:
The MTB route is 41.8 km. We ascend from the southern side of the Rossa Gorge and continue along the ridge (Mounts Revellone, Pietroso and Scoccioni) to Mount San Vicino. After a long stretch (18 km at about 1000 m elevation) on the northwest slope of this mountain, it descends back into the Matelica valley.

Length: 42 km
Height difference in ascent: 1850 m
Downhill elevation gain: 1710 m
Highest point: 1184 m
Lowest point: 186 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Along the way it is possible to refuel with water at springs, farmhouses or hamlets. Therefore, it is recommended not to overdo the water supply so as not to carry too much weight. Instead, it is necessary to have the main spare parts for your bike with you. With, or following rain, it is possible to encounter stretches with mud.
In this first stage you will travel about 18 km at an altitude between 900 and 1200 m: therefore, even in summer, it is good to have a windproof jacket with you. For the same reason it is possible in early spring or early fall to find the last or first snows.

Place of departure: Genga
Starting location:
San Vittore alle Chiuse

Municipality of arrival: Matelica
Place of arrival: Matelica

Recommended period: April to October

The Frasassi MTB Tour is a route around the medieval town of Fabriano,inland from Ancona, between the Gola della Rossa and Monte Cucco Nature Parks.
You ride MTB in picturesque valleys bordered by the main Apennine reliefs of the Umbrian-Marchigiana ridge, in a ring route of about 225 km.

There are 6 recommended stages (30/45 km each), to be tackled with trained legs. The total elevation gain uphill is 9500 meters.
Starting base is Genga, an ancient medieval village, famous for the Frasassi Caves.