"The cycling world championship in Bergamo in 2029." This is the promise of Marco Reguzzoni, president of the Province of Varese from 2002 to 2008 and head of the 2008 World Championships organization. And Italian cycling, beyond political colors, can only begin to dream. An idea in its embryonic stage that has sparked interest in the local environment, even if the mouth watering was immediately quenched by the scale of the event which would require approximately 15 million euros to carry out. When in 2008 the race was held in Varese for Italy coach Ballerini, a triumphant edition, with Alessandro Ballan (with Damiano Cunego taking the silver medal) triumphing with a late burst of energy. And then dreaming becomes a little more beautiful.
Latest Italian World Championships
Since 2008, Italian cycling in the men's field (professional side) has no longer won in the road races, but he did it with Elisa Balsam (now a Bergamo native) among the professionals in the 2021 edition held in Flanders. And last year a true Bergamasco like Lorenzo Mileshe won the rainbow jersey in the under 23 time trial. In short, Bergamo does not need confirmation in terms of talents born in the province and passion for cyclingThe name of would be enough Happy Gimondi The world championship was won in Barcelona in 1973. The men's movement, however, needs a boost, and who knows, perhaps an Italian edition could crown some of our own athletes.
Route to be defined
After Varese there were two opportunities to win at home: in Florence in 2013 and in Imola in 2020, occasion in which Filippo Ganna wore the first rainbow jersey in the time trial, which he then repeated in Flanders twelve months later.
As for the hypothetical route, nothing is written or “leaked” yet, but there is plenty to choose from. Anyone who knows the city streets knows that a final circuit to be repeated several times is already naturally designedYou'd cycle through the Bergamo hills, constantly up and down between Bergamo Alta and Bergamo Bassa. There wouldn't be a single meter of flat ground, but constant climbs and very technical descents.
Bergamo, not just Colle Aperto
The general public only knows the spectacular passage from the “Boccola” that leads to Colle Aperto and that would undoubtedly be the showcaseBut there's much more. For example, the San Vigilio pass, which Promoeventi had already proposed for the finish of a recent Lombardia race. A fast but challenging climb, characterized by a slight flat section—before another steep climb—which often proves decisive, especially in one-day races.
And what about the approach to the circuit? The climbs in the province are there and have the right characteristics for a great classic. Just think about the Lombardia Selvino, Colle Gallo, and Roncola are the main attractions. But these are just a few. A route for real riders would emerge. Climbers, but fast, explosive, and capable of staying in a group and riding their bikes because the roads on the hills are narrow and full of dangers.
The city of cycling
Moreover, in 2029 Bergamo is also thinking of organizing the 100th Alpine rally. What does that have to do with it? It would mean doing theand also tests for the reception of the large number of people who would arrive for the World Cup. Although the structure was already tested last year when Bergamo, along with Brescia, was the Capital of Culture. All this was facilitated by the airport of Orio al Serio (third Italian airport in terms of number of passengers) which is about twenty minutes by car from the city centreAnd by 2029, it will also be served by a train connecting the airport to the heart of Bergamo.
The outgoing mayor of Bergamo, Giorgio Gori has always worked to ensure that Bergamo would host great cyclingIn ten years of administration the city has always hosted either the arrival or the departure of the Lombardy and The double passage on the Boccola at the 2023 Giro d'Italia is still in the fans' eyes.
The other disciplines are also well-suited. BMX (one of the most popular tracks is currently being renovated in the Loreto neighborhood), mountain biking (woods and trails characterize much of the Bergamo area), and even track cycling. Who knows? the historic Dalmine Velodrome cannot return to wearing its best clothes for an event like this…
