The route starts from Cesenatico’s Colonia Agip, covering a distance of 28 km at a very high average speed (over 40 km/h), using the slipstreams of other cyclists and arriving at the first climb towards Bertinoro.
km 37: Polenta
The first ascent of the Nove Colli begins near Bertinoro. The climb covers a distance of 8 km with an average gradient of 3% and a maximum gradient of 13%, for a total 227-metre elevation gain.
km 65: Pieve di Rivoschio
Around Piandispino, another 8 km climb begins: the average gradient is 4.7% with the maximum reaching 9%, for a total 307-metre elevation gain.
km 77: Ciola
After Linaro the route reaches the Ciola ascent: the climb covers a distance of 6 km, with an elevation gain of 313 metres. The average gradient is 5.5% and the maximum gradient is 11%.
km 91: Barbotto
This is probably the most challenging and characteristic ascent. It climbs 372 metres in just 5.5 km. The maximum gradient is as steep as 18%, while the average is 6.9%.
km 102: Montetiffi
Located in the municipality of Sogliano, this is a short 3 km climb, but with a maximum gradient reaching 16% and an average gradient of 5.8%.
km 111: Perticara
After Montetiffi the route reaches Perticara, near Novafeltria. The average gradient is 4.1% while the maximum gradient is 12%, with an elevation gain of almost 370 metres.
km 130: Monte Pugliano
This is the greatest elevation gain in the Nove Colli, climbing 511 metres in just 9 km, the result of an average gradient of 5.6%. The maximum gradient reaches 12%.
km 144: Passo delle siepi
This 4 km ascent begins after passing Secchiano. The average gradient is 5.8%, while the maximum is "only" 7%.
km 162: Gorolo
The final effort of the Nove Colli is also one of the hardest. A relatively short 4-km climb, featuring a wall that reaches 17%, with an average gradient of 6%.