Day 1, 18-June 2023 Florence to Radda
Today’s ride covered a distance of around 54km. Departing from Florence over the river Arno via the Ponte di San Niccolò. Weather was a pleasant 24°C but with a high humidity making it seem much hotter. The light wind from the south did nothing to keep the Knights cool as the gradient started to climb fairly quickly. Initially heading south along the Via di Tizzano tracking the course of the river Ema to Grassina and Capannuccia.
On the next leg the gradient began to kick up a bit more as the Knights turned onto the Via di Castel Ruggero which then led into Meleto. It was a steady climb averaging 4% but with several steep ramps hitting double figures. There was no let up after turning onto the Via del Palagiane where they were faced with another 5% slog for about 1.5km. The climbing continued as the Knights made their way south to Chiocchio and Spedaluzzo. Finally there was now a chance to recover as they headed down to Le Bolle then stopping at Greti for a well earned rest.
The final leg of the journey continued southwards passing through Greve in Chianti. The gradients continued to present a challenge as the group “sweated” their way to Panzano before a little respite with a 5.1km downhill run into Lucarelli. The final 10km leading to Radda in Chianti was then mainly uphill once more.