At the Polivalente Center in Cabras, the curtain has officially risen on the Italian stage of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup 2024-2025, which will take place on Sunday, December 8th on the beach of Is Arutas, in the territory of Cabras, in a unique natural context. This event represents a historic opportunity for the island, which is hosting a World Cup stage for the first time, thanks to the collaboration between the Municipality of Cabras, the sports society Crazy Wheels Cycling Academy, and PP Sport Events.

AN EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. The 2024-2025 calendar of the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup, promoted by Flanders Classics under the aegis of the International Cycling Union (UCI), includes 12 stages in seven different nations, and the Cabras stage will be the third of the season, immediately after Dublin and before the historic race in Namur.

The competition will feature the world's best athletes in the Women Elite (start scheduled for 1:40 PM) and Men Elite (start scheduled for 3:10 PM) categories, with the spotlight on prominent cyclists such as the Dutch Fem Van Empel, Lucinda Brand, and Ceylin Del Carmen Alvarado in the women's sector, while among the men, focus will be on the Belgians Eli Iserbyt, Laurens Sweeck, and Michael Vanthourenhout. Italy will be represented by promising athletes like Sara Casasola and the young junior world champion Stefano Viezzi.

THE ROUTE: A UNIQUE CHALLENGE. The approximately 3-kilometer route will wind through sand, grass, and small hills, with the finish line positioned on the final stretch of provincial road 6, characterized by the presence of palm trees on both sides. The turquoise of the western Mediterranean coast will serve as a backdrop. A challenge that will test the technical skills and endurance of the athletes, making the event even more spectacular for the present audience and viewers connected from around the world.

AN IMPORTANT TERRITORIAL IMPACT. The event will not only be a sporting showcase but also an opportunity for tourist promotion and territorial enhancement. Over 100 countries worldwide will be connected to follow the competition live. In Italy, the event will be broadcast on Eurosport channels of Discovery+ (also visible on DAZN and NOW) and on RaiSport. The live television and streaming service of the world competition will allow the Island and partner companies to be known to over 30 million users estimated to be reached through television and digital channels.

OBJECTIVES. The event aims to promote not only sport but also sustainable tourism and territorial valorization. The project wants to encourage the spread of sports values among the younger generation and strengthen the bond between the local community and cycling.

The Cyclo-Cross World Cup stage in Cabras is much more than a race: it is an event aimed at enhancing the territory, promoting cycling discipline, stimulating tourism and sustainability, and strengthening Sardinia's identity. With the support of the Tourism Department of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the Mont'e Prama Foundation, and the Marine Protected Area of the Sinis Peninsula, the event is part of a broad cultural and environmental promotion project.

Andrea Abis, Mayor of the Municipality of Cabras, proudly welcomes the territorial stage of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup: "Hosting a major international sporting event is another important objective that follows our path of territorial enhancement and promotion, this time with a special emphasis on bicycles and the importance of developing cycle paths in Sinis".

Franco Cuccureddu, Regional Councilor for Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce: "The Tourism Department supports, with significant financial resources, events capable of attracting tourist flows even during low seasons. Major sporting events like the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup 2024-2025, together with other important environmental, cultural, and landscape elements, are part of the strategy aimed at making Sardinia perceived as active and attractive throughout the year".

The President of the Mont'e Prama Foundation, Anthony Muroni, also supports the event with conviction: "The Mont'e Prama Foundation, since its inception, has always believed in sport as a vehicle to promote the archaeological beauties of Cabras and Sardinia. Thanks to our partnerships, we have brought the excellences of Sinis to the most important cultural venues in Italy and numerous European cities. I would like to emphasize how, for this important world-level event, various entities have worked together to support its realization. Joining forces represents, for us, the true winning weapon that can enable the growth of this territory, starting from its main attractions: nature, food and wine, and cultural heritage".

Emanuele Cera, regional councilor, emphasizes the importance of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup in Cabras as a key event for territorial promotion and local economic development. He reiterated his strong commitment to supporting international sporting events capable of enhancing the island's natural and cultural heritage. "Investing in sports means investing in the future of our community," Cera declared.

Luca Massa, President of Crazy Wheels, highlights the event's importance for the entire Sardinia: "For weeks, thanks to the tireless collaboration of the Municipality of Cabras, we have been working to best prepare the event. We are grateful to the Sardinia Region's Tourism Department for recognizing the initiative's value. Our goal is to demonstrate how Sardinia can be an ideal destination for cycle tourism, even in the low season. The climate of our territory is an added value that few areas in Europe can boast".

Stefano Dessì, President of the Sardinian Regional Committee of the Italian Cycling Federation: "The World Cup Cyclo-Cross test that will start in Cabras on December 8th represents an event of extraordinary significance for the Island and the entire sports movement. Having succeeded in organizing an international event of such magnitude is significant of the value of Crazy Wheels A.S.D. chaired by Luca Massa and his entire organizational staff. The world media spotlights will turn on to broadcast the spectacular challenge between the best athletes at the top of world cycling and contribute to giving luster, through images, to the landscape beauties of this part of the Island".

Filippo Pozzato, CEO of PP Sport Events, also expressed enthusiasm for the Sardinian stage: "We are happy to collaborate again with Flanders Classics. This time we have moved to a new area of Italy, but of extraordinary beauty. Seeing the great cyclo-cross athletes race on the prestigious sand of Is Arutas will be a unique spectacle. We hope that the magic of this event will attract many enthusiasts to Sardinia, to experience an unforgettable weekend".