It’s difficult to meet with cyclists for a ride, or just a coffee, and not touch on the subject of...
It’s difficult to meet with cyclists for a ride, or just a coffee, and not touch on the subject of cycling in Italy in some shape or form. Whether it’s the Giro d’Italia, Italian cycling routes, or Italian bike manufacturers, Italy blends history, tradition, travel, competition and pure enjoyment under one roof. But, why is cycling popular in Italy?
Well, the answer lies in the nation’s love for this historic sport, the endless roads and breathtaking landscapes that feel as if they were designed to be ridden on two wheels, and a rich history of legendary races and iconic riders.
Cycling has been a huge part of Italian culture since the late 1800s, when the first official races were organised. This marked the start of the country’s love for cycling. In 1894, the Italian Cycling Federation (Federazione Ciclistica Italiana, FCI) was set up, which gave the sport a more formal structure to develop and flourish. The early 20th century saw the birth of the Giro d’Italia in 1909, inspired by the success of the Tour de France. Organised by the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the first race simply aimed to boost circulation of the publication, and featured 127 riders covering a total distance of 2,447.9 kilometres. Italian cyclist Luigi Ganna took the title of first champion of this gruelling event.
The period between the wars and the years following World War II are often called the golden era of Italian cycling, mostly due to the epic rivalry between Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali. They achieved amazing things, which made the sport hugely popular and boosted national morale during uncertain times. Fast forward to the twenty-first century and cycling is one of the nation’s most beloved sports. In 2020, regions like Lombardy, Veneto, and Tuscany boasted the highest number of cycling clubs affiliated with the FCI (Lombardy leads with a total of 629 clubs).
The Giro d’Italia continues to be the pinnacle of the Italian cycling calendar. Over the years, sponsorship has grown and the prize money has increased. In 2019, the winner Richard Carapaz won over €265,000. Traditionally a male dominated sport, since 1988, Italy has celebrated the Giro d’Italia Women (formerly known as the Giro Donne), which has slowly but surely become the most important international event for female cyclists. Today, both Italy ranks sixth in the world in the UCI World Ranking, (a summation of points of the first 8 riders in the UCI world ranking), a sign of the nation’s ongoing commitment to the sport.
At first glance it seems obvious. Anyone who has been cycling in Italy will have felt the passion with which the locals approach the sport and culture. From the cafés to the bikes themselves, Italians’ love for cycling stands up to its reputation. Let’s break it down, from spoke to snowy peak…
Scenic routes and perfect terrain
For one thing, Italy boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The variety of terrain across the country provides a playground of options for every kind of rider. The popularity of cycling in Italy is clear once you’ve ridden them…
For challenges, head north into the Dolomites for uninterrupted climbs and descents, alpine views, warm local hospitality and a million ways to test your endurance. For rolling vineyards and leisurely rides, think Tuscany, the Prosecco Hills, the Via Francigena from Florence to Rome, where you can drink in the beauty of the Italian countryside, fuel up at roadside osterias, and ride one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe, established during the seventh century AD.
For coastal flats and volcanic climbs, head south to Sicily to weave through ancient towns such as Taormina and Syracuse. Every corner has stories to tell of a tumultuous past marked by numerous invasions and rule by various civilizations, from Greek to Roman, Arab, Norman and even Spanish.
Cycling as a lifestyle
Cycling is more than a sport in Italy. As a very community-led society, cycling serves as the ideal activity to bring together generations of cyclists, friends and family members. Cycling groups are often about more than just riding; they also value the shared experiences before and after the passeggiate (group rides), and the camaraderie that comes with them. The presence of so many hundreds of clubs up and down the country is also a testament to the popularity of cycling in Italy.
A warm, sunny climate
While it is best to avoid cycling in central and southern Italy in the height of summer (July and August), the country offers near perfect riding conditions throughout the year. The warm temperatures and long hours of sunlight have contributed to a love and tradition for outdoor living. Gearing up for a ride is quick and uncumbersome, given there’s no need to pack on layers of insulation. As long as there is enough room for a couple of water bottles and snacks in your back pocket, cycling in Italy can last for hours…
July and August can be the best times for exploring Italy’s northern regions, such as Piemonte (our Tour offers a taste of the cuisine, art and culture and a glass or two of some of the world’s best wines), or in the Dolomites. The peaks in this mountain range can reach over 3,000 m in altitude, with the majority exceeding 2,500 m, which makes for some seriously fresh rides. But in summer, as the sunlight warms the mountainside, this landscape is bursting with life, and offers wonderfully mild temperatures of between 10ºC and 25ºC. Sunscreen is a must for safety reasons, as well as high-quality sunglasses that help prevent glare from the road.
Italian bike craftsmanship
Like most products made in Italy, Italian bikes are known for their exceptional quality. Brands such as Bianchi, Colnago and Pinarello have made a resounding impact on the international bike industry, setting standards for style and manufacturing that reflect Italians’ dedication to excellence. Bianchi for one is known as the world’s oldest bike manufacturer, having been established in 1885 by Edoardo Bianchi in Milan.
Colnago (an Eat Sleep Cycle favourite) is slightly younger, having started out in 1954, is a brand synonymous with racing. This brand’s obsession with quality and innovation led to the C40, the first carbon-fibre bike to win a major cycling race —the 1995 Paris-Roubaix (Franco Ballerini was riding). The frame, combined with the straight-sided fork (Precisa), was ahead of its time and offered its riders huge performance advantages. The brand has now expanded into All Road and Gravel models, including the “ultimate” C68.
Another timeless Italian brand, again, synonymous with racing: Pinarello. The brand took off in the 1960s and 1970s (the doors of the Cicli Pinarello bike shop first opened in 1952), with riders achieving some incredible victories in major races. Pinarello’s passion for innovation is clear, as they’re always coming up with new advanced materials and designs, helping them reach the status of one of the top dogs in the cycling world. Pinarello also has a special relationship with five-time Tour de France winner and two-time Giro d’Italia winner Miguel Indurain, who, according to the owners themselves, turned Pinarello into a symbol of speed.
If you’re still wondering why is cycling popular in Italy, perhaps it is time to find out for yourself… As soon as you’re ready to travel we would love to show you around! Check out our Italian cycling Tours or give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!
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