Day 6: Santa Marinella to Grosseto

The weather gods are sitting on our fearsome twosome this morning, with no rain, warmer temperatures and still a light south-easterly blowing to help them on their way.

Today the lads take on a 92-mile stage from Santa Marinella to Grosseto, passing into Tuscany after about 36 miles or so. Well over halfway to Monaco now, it would be tempting to think that it is all downhill from here, but the reality of the mountainous coastline in the latter stages will keep the boys focused.

The town of Civitavecchia certainly focused the mind, as the boys took on the Monday morning rush hour, but once that was dealt with, some long straight minor roads provided a chance to clock up some serious mileage. Running up the coast, sometimes there is no choice but to follow the SS1 main road, and a 10 mile stretch of dual carriageway provided the next challenge, the boys having to deal with trucks and cars travelling at speed.

Thankfully the traffic was not too heavy, but the intrepid duo were pleased to get off the main road at Pescia Romana (sounds like a nice pizza!) and pick up a minor coastal road towards Orbetello. This road proved to be an absolute pleasure – dead straight, good surface, flat as a pancake and with a gentle tailwind – awesome!!

Before long though, the lads had to rejoin the SS1 and do battle with the juggernauts and coaches on the only road along the coast past Orbetello. Failing to find a restaurant open on a Monday lunchtime in Albinia proved to be a blessing in disguise, as the local coop supermarket proved to be more like a Waitrose, complete with fresh sushi for a change from pasta and pizza.

The route for the boys after lunch meant more SS1 main road for 10 miles, then what should have been a more relaxing ride across the floodplain of the River Ombrone to Marina di Grosseto, the finish line for the day.

But even the best-laid plans can come unstuck, and this time it was the mapmakers at Michelin who dropped a clanger, showing a bridge across the river where, much to Gary’s dismay (1 per day minimum…..sorry!) there was none!!

So, a 15-minute detour had to be added to the day, which was just what the boys wanted after a hot day in the saddle! Needless to say, they just swore a bit and had another energy gel (Miles) / Banana (Gaz) and got on with it. So, the stage ended at the entrance to Marina di Grosseto after a lung-bursting, leg-burning 96 miles. Well done lads, another big stage tomorrow, to the port of Livorno and on to Pisa (wonder whether they will feel like a quick run up the leaning tower?)

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