2nd ROUTE: Mondaino – Monte Cerignone (44 km)

It’s back on the mountain bike for the second leg of this fantastic Italian tour in the Malatesta territories. The stage, in which the physical effort drops a bit compared to the previous one, starts again from Mondaino and takes us to discover well-preserved fortresses and castles with striking views. In a little more than 2 km we already reach Saludecio, where yet another stronghold of the Malatesta family stands out and the site, as well as Mondaino, of famous medieval festivals famous throughout the region for the sets that evoke with arts, crafts and costumes the way of life of times past.

At km 7.5, the climb begins that leads up to, 7 km later, the road to Montefiore Conca, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, another intact and fascinating fortress, which gives us back the idea of the prestige enjoyed by the Malatesta family, who from here every day could admire their possessions as far as the sea.

An ancient Roman road leads to the ‘ghost’ town of Castelnuovo di Auditore, where vegetation and wild animals have gotten the better of what remains to remind us of the glory of a bygone era. The MTB route continues on paths with gentle ups and downs from which to admire the view, while Mount Carpegna and the limestone rafts of the Sassi Simone and Simoncello frame the background. The day’s cycling ends in the picturesque streets of the small village of Monte Cerignone.

Length: 44 km
Elevation gain: 1492 m
Height difference on descent: 1375 m
Highest point: 688 m
Lowest point: 74 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
The tour is suitable for all types of MTB: the first section is very technical and suitable for “full” bikes, while after the Monte San Bartolo Park the trail becomes very scenic and rideable. It is usually very easy to get a supply of water. Contact the Route Tutor for help with guides and possible E-bike rental.

Municipality of departure: Mondaino
Place of departure: Mondaino
Municipality of arrival: Monte Cerignone
Place of arrival: Monte Cerignone

Recommended period:
May to September

Where to park:
Free parking in San Giovanni in Marignano. The guided tour includes a return by shuttle from San Marino.

A dip into the past to the rhythm of mountain biking! The Malatesta Tour is an unmissable opportunity to ride along the roads and paths that were owned by the Lords of Verucchio between the 12th and 17th centuries. The Malatesta, one of the most prestigious families of the Middle Ages, ruled the Seignory of Rimini and numerous territories in Romagna and Marche.

The excitement of MTB, the history of a past still alive in well-preserved fortresses and castles, and the fascinating views of Mount Carpegna and the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Park are the elements that weave harmoniously together in designing an unforgettable tour.

This is a route suitable for those with some experience because of some technical sections and significant elevation changes.