16 hairpin turns to the summit of Monte Nerone
Monte Nerone is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.512m (4,960ft) above the sea level, located in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino in the Italian region Marche. Sixteen switchbacks serpentine up and television transmission towers announce the summit.
Nestled in the Umbrian Apennines range, the paved road to the summit includes some steep sections, is very narrow, and scarcely wide enough for two cars to pass at the same time along some parts of the route. The steepest section of the climb comes just past the first kilometer and hits 12%. The remainder of the climb oscillates between 7 and 9 percent gradients, with an average of 7.6%. A series of switchbacks wind around the upper reaches of the limestone peak, which bears a slight resemblance to Mont Ventoux. The last kilometers of the ascent are above the tree-line and exposed to the elements. Wind could prove a decisive factor here.
There are 4 possible routes to reach the summit. Starting from Piobbico, the ascent is 13.7 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1.164 meters. The average percentage is 8.5 %. Starting from Apecchio, the ascent is 19.94 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1.037 meters. The average percentage is 5.2 %. Starting from Pianello, the ascent is 16.24 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1.117 meters. The average percentage is 6.8 %. And starting from Pian di Molino, the ascent is 15.49 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1.083 meters. The average percentage is 6.9 %.