In September, the eyes of the cycling world will be on Florence as the city hosts the 2013 UCI Road World Cycling Championships. Despite producing such world champion cyclists as Fiorenzo Magni, Gino Bartali, Gastone Nencini, Mario Cipollini and Paolo Bettini, this will be the first time that Tuscany has hosted the World Cycling Championships. The buzz has already started, and as roads are being prepared for the races, exhibitions and group bike rides are sure to get the region pumped for the great event.
In anticipation of the races scheduled between September 22 and 29, the past year has seen a flurry of building and resurfacing projects. Using 20 million euro allocated by the Tuscan Region for the project, the road from Lucca to Florence, through Pistoia and Prato, which will be the scene for the grand finale Élite Men race, has been upgraded and resurfaced. A number of regional roads have also been improved, including several in Florence. Among these are via Pistoiese, via dei Benci, piazza Alberti and via dell’Oriuolo. The highlight of the championships, the Élite Men race, will start in Lucca on September 29, covering 279 kilometres and reaching heights of 4,468 metres above sea level.
It will also pass by Florence’s Duomo, providing a picturesque backdrop to a stretch of the race, as well as the Cascine park and Fiesole. In fact, Florentine residents may have noticed building works in piazza del Duomo over the last few months: the cracks and uneven paving stones around the square have been eliminated in order to meet International Cycling Union standards, and in May it was announced that the historic paved square had finally passed the test.
On May 31, Italian cycling greats, including the winner of the 2013 Giro d’Italia, Vincenzo Nibali, gathered to try out parts of the circuit, starting from Florence’s Artemio Franchi stadium and heading up to Fiesole along the extremely challenging via Salviati. ‘It is a demanding route,’ said Paolo Bettini, coach of the Italian road cycling team, ‘The World Championships are a great classic, and this year luck is smiling on us because of our athletes, the condition they are in, and the fact that we are in Italy.’
The championships are predicted to draw some 400,000 visitors to the region, bringing crowd numbers up to around 1.5 million and generating business amounting to over 400 million euro. ‘This is going to be a sumptuous display, taking in spectacular scenery and some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns,’ said International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid. ‘Add to this the fervent support of the ever-enthusiastic Italian public and we have the recipe for truly stunning World Championships that will pay homage to the cycling region of history.’
To get Florence geared up for the championships, on September 8, Pedala Vintage, a non-competitive bike ride, will follow the race route through the city and into the surrounding hills. All are encouraged to participate, celebrating not only cycling, but good food, drink and spectacular landscape. The vintage convoy riding through the city also promises to be a great sight for spectators. The day includes three difference routes: one for vintage bikes, one for vintage racing bikes, and one open to every type of bike and all abilities. Refreshments and lunch will be served in piazza Tasso, with traditional Florentine specialities to revive your energy. See http://pedalafirenze.comfor more information.
In the meantime, there are already activities for those eager to start celebrating cycling, past and present:
Join a series of guided group bike rides organised by Pedala Firenze and explore the city of Florence by night. Get to know your fellow cyclists over an aperitivo, then head off around the historic city, accompanied by a tourist guide. The rides, which are scheduled every other week, each take in a different part of Florence. The next one is on June 14; see http://tinyurl.com/qf6ol7tfor details.
From June 20 to November 20, an exhibit at the Galileo Museum focused on vintage and trade bicycles will illustrate the history and technological development of two-wheeled vehicles, many of which are a far cry from the bikes we ride today. Engravings, posters and photos will accompany the exhibit (see www.museogalileo.it).
On June 21, Florence pays homage to Florentine cycling great Gino Bartali at the former Leopoldine convent in piazza Tasso. Featuring photos of the three-time winner of the Giro d’Italia, the one-night-only exhibit is free to the public, with a buffet dinner available for a small price (see http://pedalafirenze.com).
A mini version of the great Eroica cycling challenge will take place in the region of Siena on June 23. With two routes to choose from, both starting from Buonconvento and taking in the beautiful countryside and not a few steep hills, this is a chance to test your fitness alongside other bike enthusiasts. Sign up until June 22 at www.eroicafan.it.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast yourself, or just like to cheer on your friends, family and your country’s champions, these lead-up events and the World Championships themselves are bound to bring entertainment and energy to Tuscany. Don’t miss out! For more information on the Championships, visit the English-language website at www.toscana2013.it.
