A tiny Tuscan town, famed for its wine, is gearing up for one of the most bizarre races in the world.
Every year villagers from Montepulciano gather to compete in the Bravio delle Botti - or barrel rolling - competition and this year the event is set to take place on August 26th.
The race dates back to the 17th centaury and sees teams from each of the eight neighbourhoods competing for a cloth, bearing the iconographic image of the city's patron, by rolling empty wine barrels along the narrow streets to the local cathedral in the Piazza Grande.
To make things tougher, the 1800m course it all uphill, forcing the teams to push their 80kg barrels up a steep incline to claim the prize.
While the race does not start until 7pm, there are plenty of ceremonies and much drinking during the day to keep visitors occupied.
Holidaymakers visiting the region can also sample the food and drink the area is famed for. Many experts believe the local Vino Nobile to be one of the finest wines produced in all of Italy.
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