It is run typically in late March over five days in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

The race is named after Italian cyclists Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi.

It is considered one of the most important stage races in Italy and is organized by Gruppo Sportivo Emilia.

In 2004 the organization of the race retired the number 145, worn by Marco Pantani in 2003 when he placed tenth and finished second in one stage after Ruslan Ivanov, allowing him to stand on the podium for the last time in his life.

In 2009 at the 24th edition of the race, Damiano Cunego was the overall victor after two stage wins and a second place on the last day.