The Coppa Sabatini kicks off the Italian autumn
The most significant of all autumn classics is undoubtedly Il Lombardia, the fifth and final monument of the year. However, before reaching the climax that is "the classic of the falling leaves," several Italian races have managed to maintain their place on the calendar over the years and form a spectacular sequence of classics that, while not WorldTour category, have a lot of prestige in their own right. The Gran Premio città di Peccioli - Coppa Sabatini, which reaches its 71st edition next Thursday, will be the first of these races that mark the beginning of the end of the season.
Course
The course consists of an initial 38-kilometer road section, followed by two local circuits. The first circuit must be completed five times, measuring 24 kilometers in length and including climbs to Terricioli (3.7 km at 3.1%), Montefoscoli (0.8 km at 11.3%), and the Muro di Peccioli (0.9 km at 9.7%). The second 12-kilometer circuit, which riders must complete three times, features the ascent of Peccioli (1.4 km at 5.6%) as the only climb.
Favorites
Only 3 days remain until the race, and we still do not have a proper start list, making it impossible to discuss favorites.
Photo: © Sprint Cycling Agency