Just one week remains until the start of Fiorino Mud 2026, and the countdown is almost over. In the garages and workshops of hundreds of gravel cycling, bikepacking, and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, preparations are in full swing. Frame bags are packed, chains are cleaned and lubed, tires have been checked, and GPS tracks are loaded onto bike computers. You can feel the excitement in the air: in just seven days, we will all gather at the starting line, ready to pedal and write a brand-new chapter of this unique adventure in the heart of Tuscany.
To look ahead and gear up, it’s worth taking a moment to look back. To get into the true MUD spirit, join us in reliving the magic, grit, and humor of the 2025 edition through the eyes and laughter of those who rode it:
"Perfect Weather, Not a Cloud in Sight": the unpredictable charm of gravel adventure
Anyone who has ridden past editions of Fiorino Mud knows this well: this event isn’t just a route to complete or a GPX track to blindly follow on your navigation screen. Fiorino Mud is a living adventure, a story written kilometer after kilometer, turn after turn, where the unexpected is part of the experience.
Who could forget the bold predictions made at last year’s start line? Between playful jokes and weather apps promising clear blue skies across the region, reality handed us a classic dose of unpredictability [00:20]. Overcast skies, sudden downpours, and that unmistakable Tuscan mud transformed every climb into an epic memory and every descent into a true test of bike handling skills [02:44]. Yet, it was precisely this twist that made the journey all the more authentic.
From the 2025 video reportage published by spiller M, the core value of our event shines through: pure camaraderie and a shared passion for cycling.
Riding Fiorino Mud means sharing the effort, helping each other through tough stretches, swapping snacks or spare parts, and, above all, laughing together at the obstacles along the way. There were plenty of good-natured jabs directed at the course designers [08:57] for incorporating steep gradients and technical sections meant to challenge even seasoned riders. Yet, just as your legs burn and fatigue sets in, the smiles, banter, and rest-stop chats make every bit of sweat worth it. As one rider aptly put it during a break: «You need to have something to tell when you get back home.» [08:13]
Practical info for Fiorino Mud 2026: starting in Florence!
Following last year’s edition starting in Figline Valdarno, the 2026 edition marks a grand return to our roots. The heart of the adventure returns to central Florence at the iconic Società Canottieri Firenze, right next to Ponte Vecchio.
Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the weekend:
- Race Pack Collection & Briefing (Friday, September 25): Starting at 6:00 PM at Società Canottieri Firenze (Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, 8), race bib collection and the official technical briefing will take place to cover final route details and safety guidelines.
- Stage 1 Start (Saturday, September 26): Early morning gathering with the official start set for 7:00 AM from Società Canottieri Firenze. Riders will head south for 200 km toward the intermediate finish line at PuntAla Camp & Resort in Maremma.
- Stage 2 Start (Sunday, September 27): Dawn start at 6:30 AM from PuntAla Camp & Resort (with complimentary cappuccino and croissant provided before clipping in) to face the 200 km return journey to Florence.
- Luggage Transport Service: For those using the bag transport service, please remember the size limits (max 50x30x40 cm) so your gear can be delivered directly to the campsite in Maremma, allowing you to ride light.
- Parking in Florence: Since the start location is inside Florence’s central ZTL (restricted traffic zone), we recommend using free park-and-ride lots (such as Ponte a Greve / Viale Nenni near the A1 Florence-Scandicci exit) and taking the tramway or cycling to the start line.
Are you ready for Fiorino Mud 2026?
In just one week, it’s your turn. You’ll find the same warm welcome, the genuine spirit of self-supported bikepacking, breathtaking scenery, and a meticulously crafted route designed to make you fall in love once again with the gravel roads, landscapes, and villages of Tuscany.
Do your final gear checks, set your tire pressures, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of sport, friendship, and nature.
See you at the starting line. Wishing a great Fiorino Mud 2026 to all participants!
