A strong bond has now formed between Abruzzo and cycling, a special connection based on passion and determination. The numerous efforts made by the entire region are proof of this, with a project to invest and improve, betting entirely on a sport that brings visibility from a tourist and economic perspective, but above all, creates excitement. The numbers speak of a remarkable result that has pushed them to work even harder with new routes, new cycle paths, and the Avezzano velodrome project to welcome athletes from central and southern Italy.

A few days ago in Brussels, the Italian Professional Cycling League presented the Regions' Cup to the European Commission; the president Roberto Pella gathered many regional administrators who decided to invest in the project. For the occasion, Abruzzo Governor Marco Marsilio also flew to Belgium and shared with us the significant investments in cycling and, most importantly, the numerous satisfactions. "I believe it's crucial to create a system within cycling," he says, "it's an extraordinary tool for promoting the territory, and since becoming president, I decided to invest heavily. I'm very proud of the results achieved. There has been a great increase in bicycle tourism, which has now become a true phenomenon. Our region doesn't have conditions for mass tourism, but we've managed to carve out an important slice of the sector," explains Governor Marsilio to tuttobiciweb. "Before investing in cycling, I reflected deeply and was guided by competent people who analyzed the situation and provided technical advice. I appointed Gianluca Santilli as my consultant, who is one of the most experienced professionals in cycle tourism. Moreover, we've established a strong connection with professional cycling by combining it with infrastructure investments. Gradually, we've become a constant presence in cycling and races throughout the year - a result I'm very proud of."

In recent years, Abruzzo has become a regular at the Giro, which edition after edition has revealed beautiful locations in the region. Marsilio, in office since 2019, didn't just bring the pink race but invested in women's cycling by hosting 3 stages of the new RCS competition, and most importantly, revived the Giro dell'Abruzzo, which will be presented today in Ortona on the legendary Amerigo Vespucci. There's also the major Matteotti Trophy scheduled for September 14th, with the traditional women's race and the newly established women's edition, both included in the Regions' Cup. "The Giro 2023 grand start was a magnificent event, but it's just the tip of the iceberg of the great work we've done over the years. Talking with the organizers, the need emerged to create a race attractive from both television and sporting perspectives from the first stages. Thus, Abruzzo assumed a key role by proposing performative stages where the first confrontation between classification leaders often takes place. This led to visually stunning stages, like the one on the Costa dei Trabocchi or the finish on the dirt road at Campo San Felice in 2021, which was incredible. We've received tremendous enthusiasm from the Abruzzese people, and now municipalities are competing for starts and finishes between Giro d'Italia and Giro d'Abruzzo, as they've understood the investment yields incredible returns. Last year, for the Giro E, we even created an Abruzzo-sponsored team, which we'll see again this year for some stages, and personally, I hope to ride the Celano stage." Marsilio continues to confirm the significant effort, always combined with a great passion for cycling that unites all Abruzzese people.

The Abruzzo region's commitment is a concrete investment that goes beyond the race. The project is to increase infrastructure and cycle paths, and more. As confirmed by President Marsilio, a recent agreement was signed with coastal municipalities to invest tens of millions to complete the Adriatic cycle route, connecting Abruzzo to Marche in the stretch between Martinsicuro and San Benedetto, areas now customary for Tirreno-Adriatico. This is part of the cohesion agreement, signed with President Giorgia Meloni, which includes a total of 250 km of cycle paths, including the Brigante trail from Sante Marie crossing the entire Marsico, and a new section of the Via Verde to connect San Vito, Lanciano, and Castel Frentano. Among the many projects, the one that impressed us most is the Avezzano Velodrome, which would constitute a fundamental infrastructure. "The covered velodrome is a project we strongly wanted," he says. "We'll realize it with international standards, collaborating with the Italian Cycling Federation and the Roller Sports Federation. We'll create a multifunctional facility for the population and athletes, and I believe it will play a key role for all of southern Italy, located 80 km from Rome, thus in a strategic position. The velodrome's creation is part of the cohesion pact; we've signed the conventions, and I believe the completed work will require a technical time of 3-4 years between design, tender, and testing. We believe strongly in this work and can't wait to make it available," concludes President Marsilio, who after a successful Tirreno-Adriatico, prepares to inaugurate the second edition of the newly created Giro d'Abruzzo. The commitments, like passion, are truly numerous, with two Giro d'Italia stages (7th and 8th), then the Matteotti Trophy, but above all, a great desire to believe in cycling.