In a race like the Appennino Tour, where usually "how many times" something has happened is celebrated, there is a "first time": the Women's Tour. The event is set for June 24th. A few hours before the men's race passes, the air and streets will turn pink.

The race - presented today in Genoa at BPER Banca through a video where Marzia Salton Basei, former Elite cyclist from Campomorone and protagonist in various international races, explained how to tackle the route - also connects Piedmont and Liguria with team presentations in Novi in front of the Champions Museum. The first Mountain Grand Prix arrives at Giovi Pass after 51 km that faithfully follow the men's race. Descending to Pontedecimo, turning towards Campomorone, and unlike the men's race, not climbing towards Pietralavezzara, but continuing through Campomorone's center and then turning towards Gaiazza and Livellato where, after 70 km of racing, the second Mountain Grand Prix will be held.

From here the race rejoins the men's route descending towards Polcevera, then Cornigliano, Sampierdarena, and arriving on the beautiful Via XX Settembre around 12:30, approximately four hours before the men's finish. A total of 93 kilometers to be covered in about two and a half hours.

"The women's race features a shorter but equally challenging route," emphasizes U.S. Pontedecimo Cycling president Silvano Parodi. "We'll explore roads even new to men, at Livellato the definitive mountain grand prix classification will take shape, which we dedicate to Mario Rossi, the granata athlete who became Italian Absolute Cyclocross Champion in 1955, and whose hundredth birthday we celebrate. A pink race that allows us to give fans a 'double celebration'. From the beginning, we designed it with the goal of guaranteeing the women's race prize money equal to the men's. A goal that, with great pride, was embraced by the Professional Cycling League thanks to the sensitivity of President Roberto Pella."

"It is a source of particular pride for us to participate in the birth of the first edition of the Women's Appennino Tour," comments Luigi Zanti, BPER Banca Regional Director for Liguria and Piedmont. "A recognition that, beyond its undeniable sporting value, represents an important step towards gender equality. A priority objective that BPER pursues in its corporate policies and territorial investments aimed at building a more equitable and inclusive society."

"It's a historic moment for Ligurian cycling: in the year Liguria is the 'European Sports Region', we have the opportunity to witness for the first time an Appennino Tour composed of two high-level competitive events equally represented," states Simona Ferro, Liguria Region Sports Councilor. "The absolute first edition of the Women's Appennino Tour is part of our sports schedule and brings attention to equal opportunities and inclusivity, alongside the traditional men's event. I'm certain that Genoa and Liguria will welcome this absolute novelty with enthusiasm and participation."

If the women's race is a "first time", U.S. Pontedecimo Cycling's attention to the women's world goes back a long way. Today, the third Appennino Rosa was awarded, the prestigious recognition given to women who are protagonists at all levels in the world of cycling.

After Edita Pucinskaite, winner of Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and world championship, active in social causes. After Norma Gimondi, extraordinary promoter of the Gimondi Camp involving children aged 5 to 12. Today the prize was awarded to Alessandra Cappellotto. The first Italian to become World Road Champion in 1997 in San Sebastián. World Championship bronze in time trial in 1996, team time trial bronze in 1993. At Tour de France, 5 top tens, with one podium and 5 stages. At Giro d'Italia, 7 top tens, with 2 second places and 4 stages. At Italian Championships, 1 gold, 3 silvers, and 2 bronzes in road racing; 1 gold in time trial.

Former vice president of the Italian Professional Cyclists Association, in 2017 she founded "CPA Women", of which she is Managing Director. And especially president of Road to Equality, an association promoting female emancipation through cycling in developing countries. She helped five Afghan national team cyclists escape their country and settle in Italy following the 2021 Taliban offensive. Two of these girls participated in the Paris Olympics.

The great pre-race celebration, held today in BPER Banca's prestigious Representation Hall, was completed by the presentation of the "Soroptimist Prize" - dedicated to Alfonsina Strada, the first woman to participate in the Giro d'Italia in 1924, a pioneer of women's cycling - which will be awarded to the winner of the Women's Appennino Tour Elite by the Soroptimist Club Genova and Genova Due associations.

The 86th Appennino Tour and the 1st Women's Appennino Tour Elite are part of the "Regions Cup" Challenge promoted by the Professional Cycling League with the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces.