Get ready for an exciting weekend of cycling in the picturesque hills of Monferrato, Italy at the La Monsterrato – Strade Bianche Monferrato. 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.
Event & Course Info
The first day of the La Monsterrato – Strade Bianche Monferrato 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 as the routes feature a mix of white, dirt, and asphalt roads. The second day of the event, Sunday, 3rd September, is the La Monsterrato-Strade Bianche Monferrato, a self-managed cycling tour in a free personal excursion on the same two routes on Saturday.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
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, and Piedmont is famous for its wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco
Alexala is the local travel partner for the event and can help participants of La Monsterrato – Strade Bianche Monferrato find farmhouse lodging and plan an enjoyable long weekend in this unique area.
Quattordio is a small town in the Piedmont region of Italy. While it might not be as internationally renowned as some of Italy’s larger cities or tourist destinations, the Piedmont region offers a range of outdoor activities that athletes and enthusiasts can enjoy. Participants can enjoy road cycling through the Piedmont region, with its undulating hills and scenic countryside exploring the wine routes, and covering towns like Asti and Alba, which are not too far from Quattordio.
While Quattordio itself might not have prominent hiking trails, the broader Piedmont region is home to various natural parks and reserves. One could take a short drive to areas with marked hiking trails, explore the diverse flora and fauna, and relish panoramic views of the Italian countryside. Those willing to drive a little further can visit Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, located near the border with France. This natural park is one of the most extensive protected areas in the western Alps. It offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the iconic ibex, and provides hiking and trekking opportunities amidst beautiful alpine landscapes. Another option is Parco Naturale del Gran Paradiso, although it’s primarily situated in the neighboring Aosta Valley region, part of this park also extends into Piedmont. It was Italy’s first national park and is a haven for wildlife like the Alpine ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. The park offers various hiking trails, with some leading to the majestic Gran Paradiso peak.
Related Events
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, and the UCI Gravel World Championship is being held in October in Veneto. 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 gravel series is a sister series to the road cycling UCI Gran Fondo World Series. Another great gravel event taking place is the Veneto Gravel Classic.
Multi-disciplinary cyclists looking for other premiere endurance events held in Italy should consider the Tre Valli Veresine part of the Specialized Gran Fondo Series, or 5 Mila Marche part of the Gran Fondo World Tour, both considered some of the Best Gran Fondos in Italy.
