Punta Ala Gravel Road Challenge 2016 Video
From one wonderful food stop to the next, the inaugural Gravel Road Challenge event presented by Punta Ala Trail Center took in some of the best Tuscan countryside and coastline, while tasking riders with both changeable terrain and a long day in the saddle.
Departing from PuntAla Camping Resort – the base of Punta Ala Trail Center – the day’s ride took in an anti-clockwise tour of the area, stopping for a taste of local foods along the way at the clean shore of Le Rocchette (Castiglione della Pescaia); the famous vineyard by Marchese Antinori; a classic hilltop restaurant in Tirli; and the Marina di Scarlino; finally ending back at PuntAla Camping Resort for more locally-produced goods.
Anyone would think that food and wine are considered an important element of Tuscan culture!
Always time for a photo in scenery this beautiful.
Between moments of gastronomic marathon, riders took in some superb backcountry tracks, with a mix of asphalt and dirt roads ridden at an easy-going pace in order to access the day’s three optional timed stages. Each competitive section was between three and five kilometres long, raced individually against the clock and comprising sprints, some technical elements and fast descending.
At the end of the day it was Guido Dracone and Elena Martinello who conquered the men’s and women’s categories respectively, taking away the honours of winning the first, but certainly not last, Gravel Road Challenge at Punta Ala. A great time was had not only by the riders but also the staff, and the stage is already set for the evolution of the event in 2017.
Punta Ala Trail Center would like to thank the riders, volunteers and event supporters for making Punta Ala Trail Center’s first Gravel Road Challenge such a fun and enjoyable day for all.
Gravel Road Challenge by Punta Ala Trail Center 2016 was supported by: PuntAla Camping Resort (official event venue); Bagnoli Bikes; Ritchey Logic; Cannondale Bicycles; Super Natural Bike Point; Bici Saletti (bike test and mechanics); Fiat Professional by Brandini Grosseto (auto motive supplier); Baia Azzurra Camping Village; Fattoria Le Mortelle By Antinori; Restaurant Leccio Moro; D-Wine Pub & More (food&baverage); and Push Hard Apparel (prize awards).
