Leaving Bologna, the route follows the Savena valley before climbing through Pianoro towards Loiano and Monghidoro. Fields and wooded slopes open onto views of the Apennine ridges. The Passo della Raticosa is the day’s highest crossing, followed by more rolling terrain on the way to the Passo della Futa. South of the pass, the road descends into the Mugello, with Lake Bilancino among the hills near Barberino. A further climb to Croci di Calenzano interrupts the descent towards the plain. Calenzano and Sesto Fiorentino bring increasingly urban streets before the approach to Florence. The final kilometres reach the Arno close to Santa Croce. With roughly 107 kilometres and two well-known Apennine passes, the last stage still asks for a full day of riding.
