Get ready for an exciting weekend of cycling in the picturesque hills of Monferrato, Italy. The 2nd Monsterrato Race and the 7th La Monsterrato-Strade Bianche Monferrato are set to take place on the 2nd and 3rd of September, 2023, in Quattordio (Alessandria). This event is a must-attend for competitive cycling enthusiasts, featuring two thrilling races that will challenge even the most seasoned riders. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Gravel Fondo’s in Italy.
The first day of the event, Friday, 1st September, kicks off with a pick-up of race numbers at the Quattordio sports field. The following day, Saturday, 2nd September, features the Monsterrato Race and the Monsterrato Race Veteran, both UCI Gravel World Series events. These two races cover 125 km and 65 km, respectively, with the former open to men under 60 and women under 50 and the latter open to men over 60 and women over 50. Participants must be competitive cycling members or holders of a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling. Those who hold only a medical certificate will have to pay a supplement of 10 euros for the Federciclismo daily membership card. The event is open to a range of bikes, including gravel bikes, mountain bikes, historic bikes with wide tires, and cyclocross bikes. The second day of the event, Sunday, 3rd September, is the La Monsterrato-Strade Bianche Monferrato, a self-managed randonnée in a free personal excursion on the same two routes on Saturday.
The Monferrato region is a stunning location for this event, with its rolling hills covered in vineyards, orchards, forests, and several rivers providing outdoor sports opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling trails that offer breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty. The region is also known for its wine and food, with the Monferrato Wine Trail being a popular attraction for visitors. The region’s cuisine features local specialties like truffles, mushrooms, and game meat. Visitors can sample the delicious local wine at one of the many wineries and vineyards dotted throughout the area.
The UCI Gravel World Series is a global race series for gravel cycling, which has gained popularity in recent years. The series attracts a diverse range of riders, from professional athletes to amateurs, and offers a unique and challenging experience for all participants. The Monsterrato Race and the Monsterrato Race Veteran are excellent opportunities for cycling enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete in a world-class event. The series is a sister series to the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.
