Monferrato Casalese is the area between the large plain of Vercelli and the hills of Monferrato Astigiano and Alto Monferrato. The two areas are divided by the great river Po.
Its pleasant hills are a natural setting for cycle tourism. There are constant quick ups and downs, with a few big slopes. The Monferrato Casalese marathon gives you the full experience of the area. It's demanding but its landscapes will bring on strong emotions. The route was devised by the team at ASD Ciclo Sport Casale and turned into a sporting event for the hot third week of July.
Start in Coniolo Basso, known as 'the village with two lives', and pedal up a short stretch with a slope of as much as 20%. After this first push, you'll reach Pontestura. Carry on to Camino, then up to the castle, one of the most picturesque buildings in all of Monferrato. Go on uphill to the hamlet of Isolengo and pedal on to Cantavenna, a village with a panoramic viewpoint. On a clear day, you can enjoy the sight of the huge plain of Vercelli stretching out to the foot of Monte Rosa.
Carry on through Gabiano, which has another splendid castle. Go down to the village of Piagera, near Moncestino, then up to Sant’Antonio, near Odalengo Grande. Go down into Valle Cerrina and tackle the climb to Odalengo Piccolo. Carry on to Moncalvo, passing the village of Guazzolo, near Castelletto Merli. The route carries on through Grazzano Badoglio and Ottiglio Monferrato, which you can admire as you come down into it. Head uphill again to Casorzo, a town of sweet Malvasia wine, then pass through Altavilla Monferrato. Go on to the Tronco area roundabout outside Vignale, then on in the direction of Ottiglio. At the end of the level area, go uphill again to Olivola, the smallest village in Monferrato. Follow the road that takes you to Moleto, a splendid village where everything you see is in pietra da cantoni, the local sandstone. According to tradition, this was once a Saracen settlement.
After a quick uphill stretch, you reach Ottiglio and then it’s up to Sala Monferrato. Carry on to Cereseto , another village with a fairytale castle. The homeward stretch is along a road with a little bit of traffic, so be careful. Go down towards Pontestura, then turn towards the village of Quarti. This is the last stretch of challenging terrain. Carry on to the village of Vialarda, near Casale Monferrato, before heading up to Coniolo, where the route ends.