The best road cycling routes around Bellinzago Lombardo

The final climb to Colle Brianza varies depending on the chosen side. The side from Dolzago measures 4.1 km with an average gradient of 6.3% and peaks up to 10%. The one from Santa Maria Hoè features the last 800 meters very challenging, with gradients between 12% and 18%. Main Climbs towards Colle Brianza 1. From Dolzago (Classic side) Length: 4.1 km Elevation gain: 259 m Average gradient: 6.3% Description: A fairly easy and regular climb, much appreciated for the view over the plain. The first part is shaded and immersed in the woods, then opens up towards the summit where there is a monument dedicated to the Giro d'Italia. 2. From Santa Maria Hoè (Giovenzana/Cagliano side) Length: 2.9 km Average gradient: 10.5% Description: Much harder and more selective than the Dolzago side. After an accessible first part, the finale features ramps between 12% and 18%. 3. From Castello di Brianza Length: 3.6 km Elevation gain: 223 m Average gradient: 6.1%

The Locks of Bellinzago Lombardo are an important historical hydraulic engineering work located along the course of the Naviglio della Martesana. They represent one of the best-known stopping and points of interest for cyclists and hikers who frequent the canal bank. These historical hydraulic systems (locks or sluices) originally served to regulate the flow of water and allow commercial navigation between the Adda and Milan.

The Monticello fountain (located in Monticello Brianza, in the province of Lecco) is one of the most famous and frequented rest and water supply points for cyclists and walkers from all over Brianza and Lombardy.

The complex of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the former Benedictine Monastery of Brugora is a Romanesque jewel from the 12th century located in Montesiro, a hamlet of Besana in Brianza (MB). Founded in 1102, it features a stone facade with valuable sculptures and houses a 16th-century Last Supper inside.

Naviglio della Martesana is perhaps the least known of the ancient artificial canals connecting Milan to the great Lombard rivers. It originates from the Adda in Concesa, a hamlet of Trezzo d’Adda, crosses the Martesana sub-region, northeast of the provincial capital, and once in the city, it plunges underground beneath Via Melchiorre Gioia, at the height of Cassina de’ Pomm. It measures approximately 38 km in length, with a width varying from 9 to 18 meters. However, once upon a time, the Naviglio della Martesana continued in the open air all the way to the center, where a lock system centered on the Conca dell’Incoronata connected it to the short Naviglio di S. Marco and the urban network of the Navigli. The lock was inaugurated in 1496, utilizing lock gates designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The canal had been opened in 1471, under Francesco Sforza. By connecting it to the other Navigli, Leonardo laid the foundations for realizing a dream of the Sforzas: to travel by water from the Ticino, and therefore from Lake Maggiore, all the way to the Adda.

A bridge to cross on a mountain bike! I tried on a racing bike, but better not!

In Groppello d'Adda, along the Martesana Canal, there is a large waterwheel called "el rudun." It is not a mill, but a noria that was used to raise water for irrigation. It was built in 1618 at the behest of Cardinal Federico Borromeo. It was used to irrigate the vegetable gardens and gardens of the Archbishop's Villa. Tradition attributes the design to Leonardo da Vinci. The water also fed kitchens, washhouses, and livestock watering troughs. The original wheel was dismantled in the late 19th century. The current one is a 1989 reconstruction, restored several times. It has a diameter of 11 meters and eight large blades. Today, it is a historical and educational symbol that tells the story of the area's past.

Be careful when it's humid or raining: the bridge becomes slippery!