Italian Job 2017: Day 11 Castrocaro to Ferrara 77 miles

“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to” – Dr K.K. Doty

Tina gives the morning brief.

To see route click on link - Interactive map

This will open a new window where you can zoom in and also click on parts of overall route to view different days.

It's an easier day than yesterday. Some stunning climbs in the morning then back to the Po Plain...

...as we head for Ferrara.

We pass the 16th century Medician town of Villa del Sole.

We pass through the lovely towns of Faenza and Imola and will pass the famous racetrack.

The cycling will take us through orchards and undulating farmland.

Vines created fabulous geometric criss-crossing over the landscape.

Italy is the biggest wine producer in the world, enough to fill to fill 5,127 olympic-sized swimming pools.

Almonds, plums and many other crops are seen in this region.

Yet more vineyards!

...and more.

Higher up we saw woodland and open fields checkering the terrain.

...and more.

Onions I think. Certainly smelt very oniony.

Ayrton Senna, the Brazilian champion, died following a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix circuit located in Imola.

Senna's death was considered by many of his Brazilian fans to be a national tragedy, and the Brazilian government declared three days of national mourning.

Many safety improvements were made in the sport following Senna's death. These include improved crash barriers, redesigned tracks, higher crash safety standards.