Trento to showcase its green side with the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

The 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships (September 15th to 18th) were officially presented in Trento. The event spotlights the green soul of Trento, one of the most Italian bicycle-friendly cities, which is at the first position in Italy for sustainability according to the environmentalist association Legambiente

The bond between Trento and the two wheels has established roots, and the city is about to refresh and strengthen this union yet again. From 15th to 18th September, Trento and Monte Bondone, already the scene of the UEC Road European Championships last September, are taking on the role of judges in the assignment of the master categories’ rainbow jerseys at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. The event was made possible by the collaboration between the Trento – Monte Bondone Tourist Board and Trento Eventi Sport.

The intense World Championships program, which will involve different city areas and the iconic Monte Bondone’s slopes, was presented on Tuesday, September 6th at the Trento City Hall, in Palazzo Geremia. This location is full of meaning given that, alongside the major international sporting events, the municipality has made its mission to promote sustainable and bike-friendly mobility.

The press conference was attended, among others, by the Mayor of Trento Franco Ianeselli, the Councilor for Sport and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Trento Roberto Failoni, the Councillor for Sport of the Municipality of Trento Salvatore Panetta, the President of Trento – Monte Bondone Tourism Board, Franco Aldo Bertagnolli and the President of Trento Eventi Sport, Camilla Girardi.

On this occasion, numerous cycling initiatives and sustainable strategies were introduced, for a better present and future. It is no coincidence that for the last three years Trento has been awarded the title of Italian most livable city, according to Legambiente’s report – a title that has been joined more recently by that of Italy’s sportiest province, a result supported by Trentino’s impressive proficiency in major sports events organization.

Trentino boasts nearly 700 km of cycle paths – including the Green Road dell’Acqua, which was awarded at the 2021 ‘Italian Green Road Awards’ as the best cycle path in Italy – attracting tourists from all over the World, to discover a territory rich in culture and unique landscapes. The vocation for two wheels stems from the desire to think of a cyclist-friendly city and the promotion of an urban plan for sustainable mobility, encouraging the use of the bicycle as the preferred means of transport. The example also comes from the Local Police officers, who have been equipped with e-bikes since last August to carry out city patrols. Police officers will follow suit.

Trentino’s affinity with cycling can also be appreciated through the many services offered to the athletes and their companions, who will come from fifty-six nations, representing all five continents, to attend the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Although the data are not yet definitive, one week before the end of registration, there are currently 1900 participants – which realistically are expected to reach 2000 – plus 1500 accredited and registered accompanying persons. The overall forecast foresees between 4,000 and 5,000 people who will reach Trentino.

The event’s program begins on Thursday, September 15th, with the 19.6 km time trial, with start and finish in Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici, in the Le Albere district, a few steps away from the renowned MUSE – Museo delle Scienze. On the evening of Friday, September 16th, the Team Relay will be staged in the same district on an approximately 2 km ring, the competition won’t award a rainbow jersey but promises great fun. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, September 18th, when World titles will be awarded over the two distances of the Mediofondo (86.8 km) and the Granfondo (143.8 km), featuring the iconic Monte Bondone ascent as the supreme judge.

The Bondone will also be the scene of one of the most eagerly awaited side events of the weekend: on Saturday 17th September the first-ever edition of the Charly Gaul-Monte Bondone uphill time trial powered by Sportler will take place. The individual race, open to non-qualified athletes, will pay homage to the great tradition linked to the legend of the Luxembourg athlete. All enthusiasts will be able to register for the 13.6 km uphill time trial, facing an exciting challenge in the evening on the slopes of one of cycling’s most iconic climbs.

Throughout the long weekend, starting from Wednesday until Sunday, Le Albere district will be the beating heart of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships: an open-air theme park will be set up in Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici, nearby to the start and finish area, offering music, games, and entertainment for all ages for ten hours a day, in collaboration with the Radio Partner VivaFm. In the same area, it will also be possible for children and young people to try out the Sportler Pump Track to test their cyclist skills.

Finally, on Friday evening, the fascinating Gallerie di Piedicastello will be the set of the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships’ Gala Dinner. In this unique and surprising location, the big family of international cycling will be reunited again to celebrate the Gran Fondo World Championships for the second time in Trento, the first being in 2013.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Many leading brands have chosen to stand alongside the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, and participate as protagonists in such a global and appealing event to be hosted in Trento, one of the most important Italian cities for the world of cycling, outdoor, and lifestyle.

Together with Shimano (UCI Main Partner) and Santini (UCI Official Partner, as well as the supplier of the official cycling kit of the event), there are also prestigious local companies, such as Gruppo Cassa Centrale, Sportler, naming sponsor of the Charly Gaul-Sportler uphill time trial, Enervit, Melinda and Suzuki, Menz & Gasser and Ecoopera.

The event has also received the support of Cooperazione Trentina, Confcommercio and the Associazione Panificatori della Provincia di Trento, motivated by the considerable expected economic impact on the territory, fostered by the around 2,000 expected participants and as many accompanying persons.

UCI GRAN FONDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – TRENTO 2022

THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, 15TH SEPTEMBER

09.00 – 11.30 Individual Time Trial – Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)

14.00 – 16.30 Individual Time Trial – Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)

18.30 Individual Time Trial podium ceremony – Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)

FRIDAY, 16TH SEPTEMBER

19.00 – 20.00 Team Relay – Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza (Trento)

20.00 Team Relay podium ceremony – Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)

20.00 World Cycling Dinner – Gallerie di Piedicastello (Trento)

SATURDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER

18.00 – 20.00 Charly Gaul-Monte Bondone uphill time trial powered by Sportler – Sardagna-Vason (side event)

SUNDAY, 18TH SEPTEMBER

10.00 – 16.30 Gran fondo and Medio Fondo races – Start from Via Roberto San Severino- Palazzo delle Albere, arrivo Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)

17.00 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships Podium ceremonies – Piazza delle Donne Lavoratrici (Trento)