Green Fondo Paolo Bettini - La Geotermia

A broad loop extending over 56 miles (90 kilometers) and 6079 feet (1,853 meters) of uphill elevation, suspended between the provinces of Pisa and Siena to cross an extent of Valdelsa Valdicecina between the valleys of the Cecina, Elsa, Merse and Cornia rivers. 
This itinerary consists in a medium-difficulty tour of the Green Fondo cycling competition dedicated to multiple World Champion and Olympian Paolo Bettini and to geothermics. We have traced out the course in a single loop, which can be split across two days to best suit you and your needs. 

The route reaches an elevation 2231 feet (680 meters), passing Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina and embracing the vast, varied territory of the Colline Metallifere, at times almost mountainous, sparsely inhabited and with low vehicular traffic. The agricultural and pastoral landscape alternates with extensive wooded areas where chestnut and oak trees coexist admirably in the typical landscape of the geothermal area of Larderello, as sulfurous vapors rise from the ground, cloaking the landscape with a surreal charm.

Our Green Fondo begins in Pomarance, an important hub for the Colline Metallifere and the world capital of geothermal energy. Through the fascinating Valle del Pavone, we then immediately head in the direction of the Elsa River.  Along the way, before reaching Radicondoli, you come to the territory of Pisa, rich in authentic medieval villages such as San Dalmazio and Montecastelli, where Montecastelli IGT wine is produced. Once entering the territory of Siena, the route takes you to the hamlets of Monteguidi and Mensano to offer up panoramic views of the hills between Radicondoli and Pomarance.
The many ups and downs along the route can be a challenge, albeit one repaid with unspoiled views and intense scents of nature.

Leaving the lively and creative Radicondoli, whose manicured alleys are adorned with plants overlooked by the bell tower soaring over the historic village center, we turn our wheels toward the heart of the geothermal zone, soon arriving at Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina. 
Along the way, the waters of the Cecina River and the Pavone Stream beckon us with their captivating energy. On summer days, it is almost impossible not to stop and to cool your feet in the crystal clear waters, indulging in a refreshing stop. 
The road then sets off with a steep climb, reaching double-digit inclines in places.

The last part of our journey is cloaked in the sulfurous vapors of fumaroles and putizze, natural geothermal manifestations, along with the thermal waters of Sasso Pisano.  Once having passed the Cornia River, we arrive at the village of La Leccia, with the nearby Madonna del Libro Sanctuary with its unusual Andean features. Further on, the signs of mankind and our relationship with nature and centuries of history mingle with the visible traces of geothermal energy. See the Hermitage of San Giorgio, the artistic treasures of Pomarance and the geysers of the “Valle del Diavolo”—“Devil’s Valley”—said to have inspired Dante Alighieri’s Inferno.

The last part of the ride follows the route of the Grand Tour Valdelsa Valdicecina in reverse, climbing some 2231 feet (680 meters) with sometimes quite challenging gradients.

Back in Pomarance, there is only one optimal way to conclude the Green Fondo—by tasting Ricciarello Pomarancino, a traditional local cookie said to have been brought to Volterra by a Condottiero (a military leader of the Middle Ages or shortly thereafter) returning from the Holy Land.