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What Happened at Tuscany Trail 2025

The Tuscany Trail 2025 will go down in history as an edition full of records—and full of heart. For an entire week, Tuscany became the stage for the world’s biggest bikepacking event, with thousands of cyclists from every corner of the globe ready to ride through ancient villages and breathtaking hills. The numbers speak for themselves: over 6,000 registered participants, with only 48% from Italy, and riders from more than 50 countries peacefully took over the region’s gravel roads and trails.

This twelfth edition of the Tuscany Trail has set a new world record for the number of participants in a bikepacking and gravel event, confirming once again that this is an unmissable appointment for those who live for adventure on two wheels.

Campiglia Marittima: The Beating Heart of the Event

For the very first time in the event’s history, Campiglia Marittima became both the official starting point and the finish line of the Tuscany Trail. And it turned out to be a spot-on decision. From the very first moments, the welcome was warm, genuine, and deeply Tuscan. Riding through the old village center, with its narrow alleys and ancient stones, participants immediately felt the true soul of this land—a land that looks you in the eye, welcomes you, and lets you go with a smile.

Thanks to the fairgrounds and event facilities, the Tuscany Trail had wide open spaces, accessible services, easy parking, restaurants and hotels just steps away, a pump track to loosen up the legs, tech stands, and gravel/bikepacking brands from all over Europe. There were also chill zones, food trucks, shady corners, music, the smell of good food, and that subtle, magical energy that only happens when so many travelers gather in one place with the same spark in their eyes.

For many, that big open square was the place where they finally met other participants they had only talked to online. And, after the journey, it became the space where people hugged, exchanged stories, and made promises to return next year. In an event where everything moves, Campiglia Marittima was the one place that stood still. And very quickly, it became something more than just a starting point—it became home.

An Epic Route Through the Heart of Tuscany

One of the biggest new features of the 2025 edition was the introduction of the Newbies route, a 160-kilometer itinerary designed specifically for those just entering the world of bikepacking. This route, ideal to be completed over two or more days, gave less experienced riders the chance to fully experience the true spirit of the event. The short route shared the first section with the classic trail, then continued on a scenic and accessible path dedicated entirely to first-timers.

The classic route remained faithful to its signature loop: approximately 440 kilometers with 5,900 meters of elevation gain, winding through iconic Tuscan landmarks like the Val d’Orcia, Crete Senesi, the medieval city of Siena with its famous Piazza del Campo, the towers of San Gimignano, and the coastal beauty of the Maremma region.

Carefully crafted to be perfect for gravel bikes, the route offered an authentic experience on white roads and scenic trails, allowing riders to pedal smoothly and comfortably. The meticulous selection of roads and tracks made the journey immersive, letting everyone soak up the beauty of the landscape without having to tackle overly technical sections.

The event started “à la française”: riders could choose to begin their adventure on May 21, 22, 23, or 24, with the goal of finishing by the 28th. No time limit, no ranking—the Tuscany Trail embraces a “no race” philosophy, allowing everyone to ride at their own pace and create their own experience. Some pushed hard, covering many kilometers each day to finish quickly. Others took their time, stretching the trail over a week and turning every stop into a discovery.

The route unfolded across breathtaking landscapes, taking riders along iconic Tuscan dirt roads like the strade bianche, through rows of vineyards, shaded forests, and protected nature reserves. The 2025 edition brought participants through beautiful, symbolic places—like the hills of Val d’Orcia, the majestic medieval city of Siena, the towers of San Gimignano on the horizon, the crete senesi, and the coastal views of Maremma.

A highlight of the 2025 route was the debut of Montecatini Val di Cecina, a charming village that welcomed riders with spectacular flair: a hot air balloon hovered above the main square, greeting cyclists from the sky. In many of the towns along the route, welcome banners appeared on balconies, and official Tuscany Trail flags fluttered outside stores and local trattorias—turning the entire region into one giant welcome party.

A Trail That Speaks to You

One of the most powerful feelings during the ride came from the visible presence of the Tuscany Trail along the route. In countless towns, all you had to do was look up to see a Tuscany Trail flag waving from a balcony—or spot one of the official stickers on the windows of a bar, grocery store, or artisan shop. A simple gesture, yes—but incredibly meaningful. It told you that you were expected. That this land was welcoming you. That you weren’t just passing through—you were part of something shared.

Sometimes, after hours of effort and solitude, seeing that familiar logo felt like a small hug. A subtle reminder that you were doing something important, and that you weren’t alone.

In tourist destinations like Castiglione della Pescaia, dozens of new bike racks had been installed to make it easier for riders to stop, rest, and explore the town’s historic center. The entire region, in short, had mobilized to turn the passage of this colorful caravan into a widespread celebration.

Base Camps: A Community Within the Trail

Among the most appreciated innovations of Tuscany Trail 2025 were the Base Camps—dedicated rest points strategically placed along the route to make the journey even more accessible and human. Here, riders could pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag indoors, either for free or at discounted rates.

But the Base Camps were more than just places to sleep—they were places to meet, to connect, to share. Riders gathered to talk, exchange tips, laugh, compare maps… maybe even share a beer or a plate of pasta at dusk. They were the kind of places where faces turned into names, and names into stories.

To access the Base Camps, all you had to do was show the bracelet you received at the start—a small gesture that meant you belonged to this big, traveling community.

The introduction and expansion of the Base Camps gave the event even more depth. Because a trail is not just about where you pedal. It’s also about where you stop. And who you share that stop with.

Struggles, Smiles, and Moments to Remember

One rider summed it up perfectly: “Every climb felt like a challenge… but every view, every meeting, every feeling made the effort worth it.” That’s the Tuscany Trail in a nutshell. It’s made of tough moments followed by deep rewards. One day you’re biting into a quick lampredotto sandwich, the next you’re sitting in a trattoria having a dinner fit for a king. You might find yourself sharing a bottle of local wine with new friends you just met on the trail.

The camaraderie among participants is something special. You might start alone, but by nightfall you’re pitching your tent next to a stranger’s in an olive grove, or splitting an agriturismo room with someone who was a total stranger that morning. People share advice, stories, food—and you realize that the passion for adventure speaks a universal language.

Many riders were experiencing their first-ever unsupported adventure, while others were repeat participants who had done the Tuscany Trail five or six times. “Even after twelve years, we still manage to keep the event fresh, attract new riders from all over the world, and welcome back familiar faces,” said Andrea Borchi, founder of the Tuscany Trail.

This blend of newcomers and veterans creates a unique environment. Experienced riders offer practical advice and encouragement to first-timers, while the new faces bring fresh enthusiasm and curiosity. There were tough moments—a flat tire in the woods, an energy crash at sunset—but the spirit of solidarity always prevailed. There was always someone ready to offer a pump, a snack, or just a few kind words to help a fellow rider keep going.

A Finish Line That Leaves a Mark

By the evening of May 28, nearly every participant had completed their ride across Tuscany, crossing the symbolic finish line in Venturina with full hearts. Some arrived completely exhausted, having slept just a few hours each night. Others arrived more relaxed, having explored every village along the way. But all of them reached the end with the same emotion: deep joy and satisfaction.

At the final Base Camp, you could see it on every face—muddy, sun-tanned, tired. Some people had tears in their eyes, overwhelmed with happiness.

And waiting at the finish? A well-deserved celebration. Every rider received a second event package, a symbolic gesture to mark the completion of the adventure. And to top it off, there was a cold beer offered to every finisher—a moment to raise a glass, share a smile, and toast to the journey just lived. It wasn’t just refreshing—it felt like a small ceremony of arrival, a shared ritual that turned the end of the trail into something unforgettable.

“Our journey on the Tuscany Trail was much more than a cycling event; it was a life experience, full of friendship, sharing, and discovery. We laughed, we sweated, we explored, and above all—we lived every moment to the fullest,” said a group of friends at the finish. “These days will stay with us as one of the most beautiful chapters in our life on two wheels.”

Their words capture the spirit of the Tuscany Trail perfectly. Because beyond the record numbers and stunning landscapes, what truly stays in your memory are the human bonds and the emotions you felt along the way.

At the close of this 2025 edition, the organizers also expressed their pride and gratitude. “A heartfelt thank you to all of you who made Tuscany Trail 2025 so special,” they wrote on official channels, extending thanks to the local communities, volunteers, and partners who helped bring the event to life.

So the Tuscany Trail 2025 comes to an end—a huge success from an organizational, tourism, and above all human point of view. Thousands of cyclists lived a dream on two wheels through the most authentic corners of Tuscany, showing that slow, sustainable cycling can create lasting memories and meaningful opportunities for the land.

The date is already set for next year. Because, as the organizers like to say: “Every year, the dream begins again.” And after the emotions of this edition, the global community of bikepacking adventurers can’t wait to gather once more at the starting line—and write the next chapter of this incredible journey called the Tuscany Trail.