The best road cycling routes around Bellusco

The section of the Naviglio Martesana cycle path between Bellinzago Lombardo and Inzago is a flat, entirely asphalted stretch without technical difficulties, ideal for cycle tourists of all levels. This specific rural fragment runs for about 3-4 kilometers along the Martesana canal in a protected area.

The famous Borgo del Canto is an ancient abandoned medieval settlement, located on the slopes of Monte Canto (644 m a.s.l.) in the municipality of Pontida (BG). Reachable only on foot or by mountain bike, it is a suggestive ghost village born in the 14th century to host pilgrims traveling between the monasteries of Pontida and Fontanella.

The climb to Colle Brianza from Casternago (Santa Maria Hoè) is a classic Lecchese ascent. It measures about 5 km with an average gradient of 4.5% and peaks up to 10%. It starts out rideable, becomes more challenging after passing the village, and flattens gently towards the summit. Route details and elevation profile Length: ~5 km Elevation gain: ~250 meters Average gradient: 4.5% Maximum gradient: 8% - 10%

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.

Unique wildlife oasis, perhaps the last of all ecosystems in urbanized areas. An environment to be respected and carefully maintained. I think of the devastation that routes D and C of the foothill highway will cause. Let's stop useless works and preserve what our territory still offers us.

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.

The Naviglio della Martesana, initially known as Naviglio Piccolo, is one of the Milanese canals that connects Milan with the course of the Adda river through the municipalities of Martesana. Commissioned in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, it was used for irrigating the countryside but also represented the ambitious project of connecting Milan with Lake Como and thus with the Alps and Ticino. The Naviglio della Martesana is a place rich in history and beauty, a heritage for everyone that, however, today is still little known and protected. Along the Naviglio runs a rather busy cycle path, which allows you to admire the landscape and cultural beauties, such as the rich flora, fauna, or the numerous historic villas, including the Renaissance Villa Melzi d’Eril in Vaprio d’Adda.