Maremma Challenge Bikepacking 2023

The Maremma Challenge Bikepacking is an event created from the desire to convey the wonder of a magnificent territory, often left intact, crossed by roads and paths, and best appreciated from the seat of a bike.

This year, in its third edition, starting on Saturday, May 13, the Maremma Challenge becomes “Bikepacking”, designed for the contemporary cyclist who wants to test their limits while marvelling through nature and history. The event is aimed at gravel and MTB (including e-bike) enthusiasts who will discover the joy of a single track through the woods supplemented by dedicated technical sections throughout the route.

The route is a loop with departure and arrival in Massa Marittima, a town that has become an international reference point for two-wheeled enthusiasts (especially MTB) who feel “at home” thanks to the town’s wealth of bike-related hospitality and services. The route winds through medieval villages and protected natural areas, like the Parco della Maremma, the beech woods of Monte Amiata, the extraordinary Tufo Cities, the Argentario Promontory, Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala, among many others.

No assistance along the route and no stopwatch (unless for those you aim to get the ARI Off-Road Patent, 80h time limit) but for informal timing and to record the time of the fastest man and woman, an incentive for those who like to push the pedals. The experience is designed to for each participant to go at their own pace: in search of an inspiring night ride, a speed record, or precious memories to be shared with a friend. Maremma Challenge Bikepacking is to be experienced unsupported, but with great attention to safety: all participants will be equipped with a live tracking device and there will be checkpoints along the way.

Before the start on Friday, May 12, in true Massa Marittima spirit, participants will be briefed and will be given bike plates and there will be a party with live music kick off the event with the right energy. In fact, the Maremma Challenge aims to focus on the cyclist’s experience and the discovery of the territory, while conveying the warmth of a culture open to welcoming cyclists from around the globe.