Florence drops away quickly in the valley below. Via Sesto Fiorentino and Calenzano, the route climbs out of the urban landscape into the hills north of the Arno. The roads then open towards Mugello: woodland, olive-covered slopes, small villages and Lago di Bilancino add space to the day. From Barberino di Mugello, the ride becomes clearly more alpine. The road climbs steadily to Passo della Futa, passing fir trees, ridge roads and quiet high ground. Beyond Bruscoli, the final section leads to Madonna dei Fornelli.
