The route pattern shows the northern outward route and the slightly more southerly return route. We strongly recommend that you also use this southern route for the outward journey. It is far more scenic and has significantly less traffic.

The actual ascent begins at kilometre 26 on the border with San Marino. There it climbs 500 metres in altitude. The return journey leads back to Rimini via a different route, which is a little steeper.

Start early in the morning on the beach in Rimini. Today on a borrowed Bianchi - in the typical Celeste colour, of course.

Somewhere in the town we head towards San Marino.

You end up on the SP258. This is actually a side road to the much larger SS72, but unfortunately there is still an unpleasant amount of traffic.

Occasional cycle paths are also quite poor and not really enjoyable.

After about 25 kilometres, the Monte Titano rock appears at the back on the left for the first time.

A short turn to the left follows - and suddenly you find yourself at the border with San Marino. After all, this is the EU's external border and you are leaving the Schengen area. You just don't realise it.

The actual ascent begins immediately after the border. The road immediately takes on a gradient of around 8%.

You have to keep right at two roundabouts.

Beautiful bends take the cyclist to the top.

Three months ago, the Tour de France paid a visit. The Grand Depart from Florence took us via San Marino to Rimini.

At the top, you have a nice view over the old town centre all the way to the coast of the Riviera.

After an eight-kilometre climb of 500 metres in altitude, you reach the summit of the route at the entrance to the historic old town.

We choose a different route back to Italy.

You sort of fall down...

This road is marvellous. No traffic, smooth tarmac and the view constantly changes between the coast and the Monte Titano cliffs.

View back to San Marino