Two Italian excellences meeting and working together. The great cycling by RCS Sport and the Amerigo Vespucci - the historic Navy sailing ship - begin their journey from the port of Ortona within the spaces of the IN ITALIA Village - a place of storytelling and sharing of the ship's "World Tour" - where the Abruzzo Tour, scheduled from April 15 to 18 and organized by RCS Sport in collaboration with the Abruzzo Region, was presented. The Vespucci Ship and RCS Sport will meet again in Durazzo on April 9, exactly one month before the start of the Giro d'Italia from the Albanian city, for an exclusive countdown on board the sailing ship. The subsequent meetings will be during the Pink Race on May 15 in Naples (arrival of the sixth stage) and on June 1st in Civitavecchia where the Amerigo Vespucci ship will be docked. The Vespucci's motto "Not who begins but who perseveres" connects the ship to the world of cycling and highlights the sacrifice and passion for the sea as well as for two-wheeled road racing.

STATEMENTS

Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region: "Today an important event in front of the Vespucci ship for the relaunch of the Abruzzo Tour, a historic stage race that we have brought back to the calendar thanks to the collaboration with RCS Sport. A race considered one of the most important preparatory competitions for the Giro d'Italia. Our territory, with its Apennine mountains among the most challenging and spectacular, is now a stable and essential presence in the national and international cycling calendar".

Paolo Bellino, CEO and Managing Director of RCS Sports & Events: "We are honored to inaugurate this extraordinary synergy between the Giro d'Italia and the Amerigo Vespucci, two symbols of Italian excellence in the world. The presentation of the Abruzzo Tour is just the first of the scheduled events, and seals the growing interest in the world of cycling. The union between cycling and the Vespucci is the connection between sport and sea, between the fatigue of the road and the charm of navigation, both united by sacrifice and perseverance. All this in the splendid setting of the Abruzzo Region, which today confirms its passion for cycling, as demonstrated by the many events it has recently hosted, including the Grand Start of the Giro d'Italia. We are certain that this collaboration will contribute to making our events even more memorable, bringing with it an important message under the Made in Italy banner".

Gioacchino Alfano, President of Difesa Servizi: "The Mediterranean Tour of the Amerigo Vespucci ship with the IN Italia Village and the Abruzzo Tour are two excellences that meet and start their journey together here, from Ortona. It's beautiful to share a common goal that leads us to tell the beauty of Italy from the sea and the road. I thank the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto who had the idea of the World Tour and the Vespucci Mediterranean Tour, and I thank RCS with which from Ortona begins this beautiful adventure that will see us together in Durazzo again on board the most beautiful ship in the world for the presentation of the Giro d'Italia. I thank President Marsilio and the Abruzzo region who supported the Ortona stage of the tour".

Cordiano Dagnoni, President of the Italian Cycling Federation: "Italian cycling owes much to Abruzzo, both in terms of champions and for having been the scene of great sporting achievements. I thank, on behalf of the entire cycling movement, the Region that for some time, with a far-sighted choice, has invested in our sport as a means of promoting its cultural and natural excellences. I also thank RCS, our strategic partner in organizing the Giro Women and Giro Next Gen, which immediately gathered these suggestions with its organizational skills, giving life to a event of high technical value that has excited from the first edition for the spectacularity of the route. I am certain that this race will become a fixed appointment in our calendar and will accompany Abruzzo enthusiasts until the Europeans of 2029 and for many years beyond".

THE ROUTE

STAGE 1, SCERNI-CRECCHIO, 151 KM

Undulating stage with an increasingly difficult finale. First part slightly uphill in the inland area of Chieti province. Later, Bocca di Valle is climbed after the town of Guardiagrele. The second part is less steep, consisting of continuous ups and downs interspersed with false flats. Challenging roads with sometimes narrow carriageways are traversed, with usual traffic obstacles in inhabited centers (roundabouts, speed bumps, and median strips). Last kilometers partially downhill and then a steep climb (up to 10%) before the final flat straight. Final straight of 200 m.

STAGE 2, TOCCO DA CASAURIA-PENNE, 138 KM

Mountain stage with several climbs. After a brief start with a slight climb, the Forcella di Acciano is scaled (long stretches over 10%). Then the San Leonardo Pass, the Forca di Penne are climbed to reach the final climb to Penne. Mountain roads with sometimes narrow carriageways and some challenging descents are traversed. Last 5 km uphill. 3 km from the finish, the steepest section (10%) is faced until the last curve that leads into the finish straight.

STAGE 3, SAN DEMETRIO NE' VESTINI-ROCCARASO (AREMOGNA), 160 KM

Mountain stage characterized by long climbs and long descending false flats. Climbed in order are Forca Caruso (14 km long), Gioia Vecchio (Devil's Pass, 14 km long) and the final climb to Aremogna of over 18 km. Mountain roads with sometimes narrow carriageways and some challenging descents are traversed. Final climb after Roccaraso, about 10 km at an average of 5.7%. First part rideable followed by a slightly downhill false flat. Last 2 km at 7% with maximum gradients within the last km around 12% (asphalt surface, 7 m wide).

STAGE 4, CORROPOLI-ISOLA DEL GRAN SASSO (SAN GABRIELE SANCTUARY), 166 KM

Stage composed of a succession of short climbs and descents as the race passes from one valley to another. Eight more or less long and challenging climbs can be counted. There is practically no flat terrain. The finish line is passed once to tackle a 58 km circuit that is always very undulating. Last 3 km all slightly uphill until passing near the historic center. The race slightly descends until 1200 m from the finish. The road rises and after a left curve, it steeply climbs (9%) for a few hundred meters before continuing to the finish with gradients around 3%. Finish straight on porphyry, 250 m long.