Races
Tuscany Crossing
Italy, April. Alpine trails. 103 km. Cutoff 21 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start3,894 ft
- High3,894 ft
- Low2,497 ft
- Finish3,409 ft
- Italy at mile 0.0
- Tuscany Crossing mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 4.2 hours
- Tuscany Crossing mile 26 at mile 26, cutoff 8.4 hours
- Tuscany Crossing mile 38 at mile 38, cutoff 12.6 hours
- Tuscany Crossing mile 51 at mile 51, cutoff 16.8 hours
- Finish Italy at mile 64, cutoff 21 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 42)
Course DNA
The Course
Tuscany Crossing runs 103 km through Italy. +20,154 ft gain and -20,640 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,894 ft. Low near 2,493 ft. April temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 32.
The Work
Train for 20,154 feet of climbing across 103 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 21 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 6/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 42.
Kit
April in Italy: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 21 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 32.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 32. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 42 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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