Summer events not to be missed for those who love cycling between art, sport and nature

For those who love cycling we recommend some summer events:from the Maratona dels Dolomites to the Pedal Theater festival, there is something for all tastes.

After the months of May and June, full of events dedicated to cycle tourism, summer arrives with some bicycle-themed events that take us into the fresh air, to enjoy a relaxing evening between nature and art, to cycle in company on a nocturnal adventure or to follow a sporting event such as the Dolomite Marathon, among spectacular mountains that need no introduction.Here are some ideas selected for you.

Dolomite Marathon

There Maratona dles Dolomites is on the starting line, in fact there are only a few days left (not to mention a few hours) until July 2nd, the date on which the 36th edition of this highly followed event, broadcast in live television from Raidue, from 6.15am to noon.

Let's therefore give some numbers to describe the scope of what we could define as the main one granfondo Italian, an amateur racing bike race.Let's start from registered people: 8 thousand (out of 27 thousand requests) with a female presence of 11 percent.75 nationalities were present, of which 37 were non-European.The contribution of the volunteers who reach 1,500 is also fundamental.
The three routes are now a classic not only of the marathon, but of cycling overall:the marathon with 138 kilometers and 4,230 meters of altitude difference;the medium one with 106 kilometers and 3,130 meters of altitude difference and the Sellaronda with 55 kilometers and 1,780 meters of altitude difference.

The charm of the race lies in the beauty of being able to enjoy these itineraries with the roads free from motorbikes and cars.After all, cycling on the Dolomite passes (a UNESCO heritage site) is like retracing the epic of cycling itself and doing so in complete freedom is something unsatisfying. Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola:a magnificent carousel to be tackled immersed in the silence and splendor of a unique landscape in the world.Even the queen stage of this year's Giro d'Italia, the one on May 26th from Longarone to the Tre cime di Lavaredo, led the riders to cover four passes of the Marathon, including the legendary Giau.

Another interesting aspect is the growing attention that the event reserves for theme of sustainability, with the development of around fifteen micro-projects focused on ecology.Thanks also to the certification Green Event, the marathon has urged its partners to take initiatives in this sense, for example creating a WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) certified cotton bag for race packs or a green vest for participants produced with fabrics obtained from recycled raw materials.Among other things, we find a mechanic available on board electric bicycles and full electric cars to direct the race.

This year too there will be Maratona Village in San Leonardo in Badia with many events, the stage for fashion shows, interviews and moments of celebration that have always characterized it.Already from Thursday 29 June thousands of enthusiasts and visitors meet in what can be considered the symbolic meeting place of the Dolomite granfondo.

As usual there is a theme that accompanies the marathon and which is found in the logo:a barcode that can be read Humanity (Humanity in Ladin).A warning about the technological invasion that dictates the rhythms of our existence.Finally, a curiosity:perhaps not everyone knows that in Italy there are 107 provinces, 103 of which are present at the Marathon, which makes it the most represented Italian sporting event at a national level!

Augh, discovering Umbria by bicycle

This time we move on toUmbrian Marche Apennines to report you Augh, an event dedicated to those who love to travel gravel or mtb following nature itineraries.The event takes place in Foligno on 8 and 9 July and is dedicated to those seeking adventure in an area, Umbria, which is still little appreciated in terms of cycling tourism.The project was born from four cycle adventurer friends who together decided to create itineraries and organize group bikepacking events to boost the "bicycle movement" in their region.With Augh you pedal semi-autonomously following an off-road track, and then in the evening you find yourself in the village with the possibility of sleeping in a tent under the stars and partying together.

Pedal Theatre, until September in Piedmont

Let's go to Piedmont, in province of Turin, with the Pedal Theater Festival, the review of live entertainment powered by bicycles, organized by Mulino ad Arte.Arrived at yours third edition, becomes a widespread initiative across multiple territories:keeping its main headquarters in the Piossasco Mill, will touch various cities in the province of Turin and some villages in the Cuneo mountains and Pavia hills, for a total of 15 locations, 19 theater shows, 8 aperitif talks, 3 exhibitions and installations.

Until September 22nd, the stage powered by the energy produced by bicycles will involve the public in shows ranging from theatre, music, circus and dance, and will welcome important names from the national and international scene, including Marco Paolini, Paolo Fresu, Stefano Vignarelli, first violin of the Teatro Regio of Turin, e Job Covatta, as well as talks with scientific experts on topics such as energy, plastic, water, climate, botany, moderated by the journalist and science communicator Andrea Vico.

As a world premiere, Piossasco will host the One Connection installation by artist Giorgia Palombi during the days of the festival:a work inspired by the lantern mushroom, a symbol of connection between people's souls.Giorgia Palombi with AlieNadia will also create experiential workshops with the public while the foyer of the Il Mulino theater will host the Archeoplastica exhibition entitled "The museum of ancient waste arrived from the sea".

As he points out Daniele Ronco, the artistic director, the multidisciplinary programming with initiatives spread across different territories "wants to make communities reflect on the topic of environmental, economic and social sustainability".Furthermore, concludes Ronco, "by following stringent measures in terms of sustainability we want to minimize the impact on the environment, leaving a positive imprinting on the host communities".

Night cycling along Alpe Adria

They continue Bike Night organized by Witoor, events that combine the passion for cycling and the desire to pedal in company, peacefully, along some of the most beautiful cycle routes in Italy.July 15th is the turn of the seventh edition of the Bike Night organized along the Alpe Adria cycle route, which crosses Friuli Venezia Giulia perpendicularly.

The ride starts from Udine to go up gently towards the Alps, for 100 kilometers, up to the ancient station of Ugovizza.A route through woods and historic villages, with the stretch from Gemona leading to cycling along the cycle path built on the old railway tracks:a true all in the past, thanks to the presence of old traffic lights, tunnels, railway stations now transformed into refreshments and hostels.We remind you that the route has 30 kilometers of dirt road so you need to choose a suitable bike.

Alta Badia, Bikes Bites Movimënt Trails

Let's go back to the Dolomites, in Alta Badia, in an area that has been organized to satisfy those looking for adventure trails in the mountains.In fact, here we find i Movimënt Bike Beats Alta Badia Flow Country Trails, dirt and sand paths that wind along the plateau of Piz Sorega – Pralongiá, for those who obviously love mountain biking.There are different types, they are divided into easy and medium difficulty routes, suitable for all levels.

And this is precisely where the 26 and 27 August, a stage of the Specialized RockShox Rookies Cup, downhill racing circuit for kids from under 13 to under 19, young promises of this sport.The Italian stage will take place in the heart of the Dolomites along the Cör- and Avëna-trail on the slopes of Piz Sorega in San Cassiano.