Grand opening at the Auditorium of Banca di Asti for "La Diabolica", an unprecedented amateur cycling event, also open to running, which will take place next May 18th.

This is not just a simple competition, organized by the Cycling Section of Polisportiva Cassa di Risparmio di Asti, but an authentic journey through time honoring the great champions of the past, first and foremost Giovanni Gerbi, the legendary "Red Devil", pioneer of Italian professional cycling.

The event presentation, attended by the Bank's top management and city authorities led by Mayor Maurizio Rasero, was skillfully conducted by journalist Sergio Miravalle, who interviewed two veteran colleagues such as Beppe Conti, for many years special correspondent of "Tuttosport" and now Rai commentator, and Franco Bocca, long-time collaborator of "La Stampa" and deep connoisseur of local cycling. Their stories captivated the audience, bringing to life memorable episodes from Gerbi's life and another fundamental figure for Asti cycling, Luciano Cerrato, the unforgettable organizer of the Coppa Città di Asti, who passed away just a year ago. A beautiful race that has not been held since 2007, but which, as emerged during the presentation of "La Diabolica", could return to the calendar in the next season, thanks to the initiative of three other prominent figures of Asti cycling: former riders Giovanni Turello, Adriano Marcati, and Franco Peruzzo. If these are roses...

LA DIABOLICA. Three routes proposed: the RED DEVIL route medium-length route for gravel bikes, muscular mountain bikes, and e-mountain bikes...; the COPPA CITTÀ DI ASTI Route medium-length route for road bikes, muscular only, with staggered start at free pace on an open traffic route within the sporting event...; the LUCIANO CERRATO Route cycling tour for muscular and e-road bikes with staggered start at free pace on an open traffic route...

THE UNRIDEABLE GERBIDO. The highlight climb of the event is the one from the provincial road up to Serra Bosia - Montemarzo, named after Gerbido... with an average gradient of 16-18%, it reaches impressive peaks of 32%. It is famous for being first "climbed" by bicycle on July 26, 1931, when it was still unpaved, by the great cyclist Giovanni Gerbi, the "Red Devil", who had origins in Montemarzo.

The champion, then forty-six years old, had been away from competitive cycling for 11 years, but for a bet made among friends, he attempted and succeeded in the feat, amid two rows of people who encouraged him to a triumphant arrival in the town square.

THE LUCIANO CERRATO TROPHY. To make this competition even more special, the best time on the Gerbido climb will be awarded the prestigious Luciano Cerrato Trophy, dedicated to the memory of the famous Asti native who was the patron of the "Coppa Città di Asti". This recognition is not just a sports award, but a tribute to the role Luciano Cerrato played in promoting cycling and transforming Asti into a true capital of pedaling.

all info at www.ladiabolica.it