The Province of Treviso has been awarded ofUCI Bike Region Label, an award presented by the UCI president Lappartient to the provincial president of the FCI of Treviso, Giorgio Dal BòThe ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi last December and recognized the Marca Trevigiana as a sort of “bike-friendly excellence” qualification by virtue of the efforts that have been made in the fields of cycle tourism, sport and road safetyExcellence, because only 28 locations in the world can boast this recognition: 15 cities (UCI Bike City Label) and 13 regions (in Italy, before Treviso, only Val di Sole).
«It is a goal achieved through a great team effort – explains Giorgio Dal Bò, provincial president of the FCI of Treviso – also achieved thanks to the organization of the Gravel World Championship in 2023. Our next goal will be invite President David Lappartient to spend a few days in our enchanting places».
The role of Daniela Isetti
A leading role was played by Daniela Isetti who, in addition to being a member of the Council of the International Cycling Union, is a member of the "Cycling for All and Sustainable Cycling" Commission, always within the UCI.
«This Commission of which I am a member – he explains – works on topics related to sustainability, alternative mobility, sports tourism, and children's education. In short, to all those topics that today represent added value for the cycling world. A few years ago, this label was established, which is awarded after the presentation of a project.
What is the process for awarding the UCI Bike Region Label to those who submit such a project?
The approval process and therefore the assignment of this label begins within the Commission. analyzes the projects submitted, reports to the UCI Board of Directors the cities worthy of being awarded with it and the UCI Board of Directors then approves or rejects the various proposals.
How did we get to Treviso?
Knowing the reality of Treviso, closely linked to dynamics that refer to sports tourism, it was proposed that they embark on this type of journey. To the Treviso Provincial Committee of the Federation. Then to Giorgio Dal Bò.A working group was then created with Nicolò Valentini and Antonella Stellitano, along with other members.
What was his role?
I supervised their work, too. by virtue of my connection with the Commission which then evaluated the project. Moreover, Treviso was awarded this recognition together with Tokyo, so we are talking about an extremely important level of quality.
What are the criteria that must be met to obtain the Label?
The planning must highlight the investments made in alternative mobilityBike paths. Investments in sports tourism. On policies that tend to increase bicycle use among young people, among the population… So there are various projects that must demonstrate how cycling represents an element of development for a territory. One of the elements that the UCI is also asking for is having organized international eventsIn the case of Treviso, the element that sealed the perfect presentation of the entire dossier was the organization of the UCI Gravel World Championship in 2023.
Are there other merits that the Province of Treviso could have put to good use?
One of the strengths was to highlight how the history of cycling has an impact on a progress that sees cycling no longer just as a competitive element, but also as a territorial elementFurthermore, it was highlighted how cycling and bicycles represent an important economic factor for the area, a driving force for the entire economy, just think of the example of Pinarello.
What can we expect from here on?
For the future, the "Cycling for All" Commission, as it always does, will organize some webinars reserved for the cities that make up this very important network, enabling them to grow and exchange experiences. Therefore, there will soon be a webinar involving both Treviso and Tokyo, but obviously open to all entities, to begin a process of sharing. With the Provincial Committee of Treviso, we also discussed the possibility of to host the Cycling Cities Forum held in Abu Dhabi in late 2024 and which this year will take place in Copenhagen.
A Province on two wheels
The province of Treviso boasts well 2.715 km of cycle paths, with the goal of increasing them by 7% per year, aiming for 2.904 km by 2025. In addition to strengthening its cycle network urbana, Treviso is actively promoting leisure cycling with 11 routes dedicated to cycle tourism and 20 trails for off-roaders.
And then one cannot help but remember the presence in the area of brands that have made the history of cycling such as Pinarello, Sidi e Selle Italia rooted in the region's strong manufacturing tradition. This tradition is a fundamental aspect of the local culture that can boast over 130 years of cycling historyThe industry itself contributes significantly to the economy, with nearly 130 companies in the sector spread across the Treviso province.
And finally, it has been waiting for years the completion of the Spresiano velodrome, scheduled for 2026, capable of hosting top-level track events…
