From the launch of the  "GranTanaRando," the first "randonnée" starts from the town of Alessandria, the cycleway along the Via del Tanaro goes far beyond the event for randonneurs and is a certainly a unique experience. Give it a go in stages – and definitely after a bit of training!

This route is 224 km there and 187 km back in the Alessandria area, if you want to ride along the trail of the first GranTanaRando cyclists.

It starts from Monferrato in the beautiful setting of town of Alessandria. Following the Tanaro, it passes through Asti’s famous Piazza del Palio. Leaving the Roero hills, you reach the Langa, passing Alba Cathedral, and once you reach Barolo, climb to Alta Langa towards Barolo, Dogliani, Belvedere and Murazzano, until descending to reach Ceva.

From there you enter Val Tanaro up to Ormea and then climb to the origins of the Great River until Upega. Once you get to this point, you can choose to return and retrace the route (27 hours was the maximum time allowed for the entire GranTanaRando). For everyone else, time doesn’t matter but make sure you organize accommodation and refreshments along the way. A 400 km plus bike ride is a unique experience that must be well planned.

The idea for this route comes from Peter Contegiacomo and was made possible thanks to the collaboration and advice of ADS SUSA BIKE who organized the first edition of GranTanaRando. It has become a route for real enthusiasts.

You can choose to try the route over several different days or in stages, but in a group is best, and be aware of the presence of cars along the roads. Pay particular attention to the SS321 between Alba and Asti and the exSS10 between Asti and Alessandria where the traffic is heavier.

These are the places of interest you will find on this route: Alessandria, Asti, Alba, Paroldo, Upega, Niella Tanaro and again Asti and Alessandria, in a possible round trip.