GT20 / ETAPE 9 : CORTI - GHISONI

Set course for one of the most demanding and contrasting stages of the GT20.

Between Corti (Corte) and Ghisoni, this 57km route has a total climb of almost 1,400 metres. An intense crossing of the mountainous heart of the island, between suspended villages and spectacular gorges.

From Corti, the ancient historic capital dominated by its citadel, the route heads towards Venacu (Venaco) before branching off eastwards. The road soon becomes more winding and climbs up the twists and turns leading to Bocca a Croce.

The ascent of the Col de Croce - 12 km and around 500 metres of ascent - puts the legs to the test. The effort is sustained, but rewarded by sweeping panoramic views over the hills of central Corsica. The villages of Noceta, Ruspigliani and Vezzani punctuate the route with their typical silhouettes, clinging to the mountainside.

At the summit, there's a long, smooth and exhilarating descent of almost 17km. After crossing the Col de Cardo, the road joins the D69 towards Ghisoni. The scenery changes again, as you pass the Sampolu dam, the gateway to an impressive natural site.

You arrive via the spectacular Défilé de l'Inzecca, famous for its sheer rock faces and narrow road with tight bends. The atmosphere here is mineral, almost wild, before reaching Ghisoni, a mountain village nestling in the heart of an unspoilt environment.

A complete and challenging stage, alternating between demanding passes, fast descents and landscapes of great diversity - the very essence of inland Corsica.