THE PIRATE’S WALL
The wall with gradients up to 22% that made Marco fall in love, near the Saturnia hot springs.
THE OPENING
It was inaugurated on September 9th on the occasion of the passage of the 3rd stage of the Tirreno–Adriatico. Il Muro del Pirata is a road 3 km and 250 meters long, with a maximum gradient of 22%. It is the first road in the world to feature permanent gradient signage, promoted by RCS Sport and Saturnia Bike.
THE ROUTE
Every 500 meters along the route, a sign indicates the gradient ahead. The final section leads uphill, revealing the new Pirate monument, created by local artisans. After another 250 meters, the route reaches the town center, where the finish line is located.
THE STORY
Marco began visiting the Saturnia hot springs to recover from an injury. From that moment on, he never left the area, eventually even purchasing a house there. The home is often visited by his mother, Tonina, who also became the main protagonist of the inauguration day.
THE CLIMB DEDICATED TO MARCO PANTANI
This is a climb with a concrete surface, 3,250 meters long, featuring gradients that reach up to 22%.
THE STORY...
Pantani spent a period of rehabilitation at the Saturnia hot springs after an accident.
In this area, which he deeply fell in love with, he resumed training and purchased a house near Poggio Murella. Today, his memory remains forever etched into these places.
THE LEGEND...
Legend has it that the Pirate made a bet with local cyclists, challenging them to ride the climb using a 53 chainring, without ever having seen it before.
You can easily imagine how that story ended…
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Length: 3,250 m
Elevation gain: 235 m
Maximum gradient: 22%
Average gradient: 7.2%