Forty days remain until the start of the 50th Giro della Lunigiana, presented last evening at the Terre di Luni estate in Ameglia. The ceremony was attended by representatives of institutions, sponsors, friends of the race and stage committees. Among the guests were also former winners Alessandro Petacchi, who won a stage in 1992, Gilberto Simoni, winner of the 1989 edition, and Evgeni Berzin, who also won the Giro d'Italia during his career.

During the evening, the fifth edition of the women's race was also announced, which will be presented in detail in the coming days.

THE ROUTE

09/09 - STAGE 1, LA SPEZIA-FOSDINOVO, 98 KM

A lively stage full of continuous changes of pace, in which it will be difficult for the peloton to find a moment of respite. After the start from La Spezia, the race immediately faces the climb towards La Foce, the first test of the day, before descending towards the Val di Vara.

The route continues alternating short climbs and descents, with a double passage through Bracchetto, in a particularly selective central phase that could favor the formation of a select group.

After Ceparana, the road becomes more flowing until the final ten kilometers, when the route climbs again towards Caniparola and especially the concluding ramp towards Fosdinovo. The finish is located at the end of a decisive climb, capable of making a difference both for the stage victory and for the general classification. The Race of Future Champions returns to Fosdinovo five years after Manuel Oioli's victory.

10/09 - STAGE 2, PORTOFINO-CHIAVARI, 93.4 KM

One of the most spectacular stages of the edition, characterized by an extremely demanding route. After the start from Portofino, riders immediately face the stretch towards Rapallo and San Lorenzo della Costa, before heading inland.

The climb towards Uscio introduces the long sequence of climbs that leads to the Passo della Scoffera, the highest point of the stage. The ascent features regular but demanding gradients and includes two tunnels before the summit, representing the decisive moment of the day.

The long descent leads towards Ferriere and the Val Fontanabuona, where the route remains undulating until the finish. In the final kilometers, riders also face the short climb of Bocco, before the concluding descent that leads to the finish in Chiavari. An ideal stage for climbers and for those who want to attack from far away. Last year, Austrian Anatol Friedl won in Chiavari.

11/09 - STAGE 3A, FIVIZZANO-MARINA DI MASSA, 54.6 KM

The only stage suited for sprinters, free of altitude difficulties. From Lunigiana, the race quickly reaches the Apuo-Versilian coast. After the start from Fivizzano, a long favorable section follows that crosses Pallerone and Aulla, then continues along the Magra valley.

The route continues without particular altitude difficulties until Sarzana, where the route becomes essentially flat. After crossing the Luni plain, Carrara and Massa are reached via wide and fast roads, with the final kilometers completely flat along the coastal strip. Last year the seafront rewarded Trentino rider Alessio Magagnotti.

11/09 - STAGE 3B, VEZZANO LIGURE-RIOMAGGIORE, 45.8 KM

A short but very intense route, in which every passage could prove decisive. After the start from Vezzano Ligure, the first kilometers are relatively smooth through Sarzana, Santo Stefano Magra and Caprigliola.

From the passage at Valdurasca the route changes character: climbing towards Foce, then a rapid descent leads to the foot of the climb towards Biassa, the main difficulty of the stage. The ascent is long and regular, followed by passage through the Cinque Terre tunnels, which break the rhythm before the final part of the route.

The final kilometers alternate short ups and downs and a technical descent towards Riomaggiore, where the finish is located at the end of a short climb. For the first time, the Race of Future Champions reaches this finish line.

12/09 - STAGE 4, CASTELNUOVO MAGRA-CASANO DI LUNI, 108.1 KM

A lively stage without long flat sections, characterized by a continuous succession of climbs and descents among the hills that separate the Luni plain from the coast.

After a regular start, the road climbs progressively towards Ortonovo to face the first difficulty of the day, followed by a fast descent to Marina di Carrara. After crossing the coastal plain, the climb of Montemarcello is tackled, the most demanding of the stage, with regular gradients leading to the highest point of the route.

The subsequent descent returns to the coast near Luni Mare. From here the route offers a second sequence of ups and downs, climbing again towards Ortonovo and repeating the hilly circuit among vineyards and historic villages. The continuous variations in gradient make it difficult to find a rhythm, with a progressive accumulation of elevation gain despite always modest altitudes.

In the final kilometers, the last short climb at Ortonovo is tackled before the concluding descent that leads to the finish in Casano di Luni.

THE TEAMS AT THE START

12 National Selections
    Austria
    Belgium
    Colombia
    Germany
    Kazakhstan
    Latvia
    Mexico
    Norway
    Poland
    Czech Republic
    Slovakia
    Slovenia

17 Regional Teams
    Casano-Lunigiana
    Campania
    Bolzano
    Emilia Romagna
    Friuli Venezia Giulia
    Lazio
    Liguria
    Lombardy
    Marche
    Piedmont
    Puglia
    Sardinia
    Sicily
    Tuscany
    Trento
    Umbria
    Veneto

THE LEADER JERSEYS OF THE 50TH EDITION 
The leader jerseys of the Giro della Lunigiana are designed and made by NEB18 and feature the "La Mia Liguria" logo

    Green Jersey, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by Ministry for Sport and Youth
    Blue Jersey, leader of the Points Classification, sponsored by Liguria Region
    Polka Dot Jersey, leader of the Mountain Prize, sponsored by Conad
    White Jersey, leader of the Young Riders Classification, sponsored by Banca Versilia Lunigiana and Garfagnana BCC
    Orange Jersey, leader of the Intermediate Sprints, Liguria Region Sports Department - Massimo Vanello Memorial
    Light Blue Jersey, leader of the Italian Riders Classification, sponsored by A.L.A. Area Vasta Ligure Apuana