Tuscany is a stunning cycling mecca, British Cycling's erstwhile European home for riders such as Steve Cummings, Jonny Bellis and Mark Cavendish.

The ride started just outside a small village called Iano, about 10-15km from Montaione, with a small climb just enough to get the heart beating before the descent began. The roads throughout the route are wonderful with great asphalt, amazing views, and very courteous drivers.

The gradual climb up to San Gimignano is far from painless. San Gimignano is a spectacular walled city with 14 towers remaining of the original 72 of the late medieval era. Its a beautiful place for a coffee stop (it's hard to get a bad coffee in Italy).

Riding in Tuscany has a little bit of a pattern, in that all the great places to stop, drink coffee, and relax are all on the top of bloody great big hills, (something to do with defense in the olden days).

After a coffee and a cake, the ride home, which includes a stretch of the infamous Strada Bianche, or as we call it “bloody stony”. Yes I loved getting the white dust all over me and my bike, and yes, I pretended I was Fabian Cancallarra; but Fabian has a team car, and I didn’t. Three pockets in a cycling jersey didn't hold enough inner tubes, make sure your wheels are shod with sturdy tyres!