4th STAGE: Location San Cassiano – Fossara Island (44 km)

The fourth stage of the Frasassi MTB Tour offers stunning views. Dominated by the mighty Monte Cucco, it features a rewarding ascent to Pian di Porci, uncovering ever-widening vistas. Pretty and relaxing is the embedded beech forest of Val di Ranco, while the templar Abbey of St. Emiliano and the Valley of Prisons provide moments of great spirituality. The medieval village of Pascelupo and the view of Mount Catria are the final postcard.

Technical description:
The 43.5-kilometer route features 8 km of climbing, from Vallina (elevation 430 m.) to the pass between Pratiozzo and Testa Grossa mountains (1,070 m.). The bottom is good and rideable. After the high-altitude valley of Val di Ranco, there is a pleasant descent. Two additional climbs of 2 km each lead to the goal.

Length: 44 km
Height difference in ascent: 1850 m
Height difference on descent: 1810 m
Highest point: 1141 m
Lowest point: 336 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Particularly in summer, a good supply of water is recommended to tackle the long climb with no sources. In the remaining part it is easier to refuel in the hamlets. 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 fourth stage, we travel about 10 km at an altitude between 900 and 1140 m: so 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.

Municipality of departure: Fabriano
Place of departure: San Cassiano
Municipality of arrival: Scheggia and Pascelupo
Arrival Location: Fossara Island

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.