For all two-wheel enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Monday, June 2nd is an unmissable event. After the success of the first edition, IMOLA CHARITY BIKE | In loop for FFC Research returns, a six-hour cycling race that promises excitement and fun, winding through curves and straights that have made history, on the only counterclockwise Formula 1 circuit in Italy: the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Racetrack in Imola.

A day that combines sport and solidarity with the goal of increasing awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF), one of the most widespread serious genetic diseases, still without a definitive cure, and raising funds for the Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis Research (FFC Research), the first entity in Italy dedicated to research on the disease. Matteo Marzotto, FFC Research president, will also be in the saddle, along with Alessandro Vanotti, former professional road cyclist, Cristian "Zorro" Zorzi, former cross-country skier, and other sports champions and FFC Research ambassadors who will pedal in support of research.

The initiative originates from an idea by the FFC Research Delegation of Imola and Romagna, inspired by the Bike Tour, a charity sporting event created in 2012 by President Matteo Marzotto, and is realized with the Patronage of the City of Imola and the New Imola District, in collaboration with the Racetrack Tourism and Citizen Services Department of Imola, ASD Imola Bike, Ciclistica Santerno Fabbi Imola and Appennino Bike, with media partnership from QN Il Resto del Carlino and Quotidiano Sportivo. Main event partners will be Orasì and Tema Sinergie, with Selle Royal Group returning as technical partner for the second year.

THE DAY IN DETAIL

With approximately 5 km and 120 m of elevation per lap, the race is open to all CONI-recognized entities and can be participated in by teams (6 people), in pairs, or as individuals, divided into different categories.

The start is set for 10 AM, while the bell sound after 4 PM will mark the conclusion of the race.

This year's novelty is the opportunity for gravel enthusiasts, who prefer off-road to the circuit track, to register for the event by riding two dedicated routes in the surrounding hills and participate in the social breakfast.

At 7:30 AM, before the official race start, there will be a gathering of cycling amateurs with a social breakfast: a moment to build community, thanks to the contribution of supporters and volunteers who will welcome cyclists; in late morning, sports societies that brought the most registrants to the gathering will be awarded.

Throughout the day, involving schools from Imola and surrounding areas and inviting families, free educational and preparatory activities are planned for under-15s, not only in cycling as a sport but also with didactic and safety perspectives.

At the end of the race and awards ceremony, at 4 PM, the Piada Party will follow, open to participants, families, and the entire community: a festive moment with good music and delicious piadine, to celebrate the day's results and support cystic fibrosis research.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To register, it is necessary to send a copy of the association card or document for each member and the payment receipt via bank transfer to Imola Bike IBAN IT 12M 08462 21004 00000 5006099 to the email: imolabike@gmail.com.

For those registering by Monday, May 12th, the fee is: €30 for individuals, €50 for couples, €150 for teams. From May 13th until race day, registration will still be possible by adding €5 for each participant.

Non-members can participate by presenting a valid medical certificate for competitive activity and an additional €10 for insurance coverage.

Rigid helmet use is mandatory. The event is covered by RCT insurance. For anything not specified, the national UISP cycling regulations apply.

FOUNDATION FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS RESEARCH - ETS (FFC RESEARCH)

The Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis Research - ETS (FFC Research) was founded in Verona in 1997 by Professor Gianni Mastella, Dr. Michele Romano, and entrepreneurs Vittoriano Faganelli and Matteo Marzotto. The goal is to inform about cystic fibrosis (CF), one of the most widespread serious genetic diseases (approximately 6,000 people with CF in our country, 48,000 in Europe, 160,000 worldwide), and promote advanced research projects to improve the duration and quality of life for people with CF and defeat this condition. The first entity in Italy specifically dedicated to cystic fibrosis research, recognized by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), the Foundation relies on a network of over 980 researchers and the work of more than 150 Delegations and Support Groups active in all Italian regions and 5,000 non-occasional volunteers. Chaired by Matteo Marzotto, from 2002 to today, FFC Research has invested over €41 million in 495 research initiatives. The projects, identified through two annual calls, are evaluated and selected by the Foundation's Scientific Committee with the contribution of international experts.

www.fibrosicisticaricerca.it