Winning the Ferragosto classic is the dream of all athletes at the start, but reality will be for only one of the 148 registered riders who will leave the Oltrarno and San Frediano districts in Florence, finishing on the seafront of Viareggio at Piazza Mazzini. One hundred and seventy kilometers all in one breath to climb the Pistoia Mountain, traverse the Serchio Valley and the tough Versilia hill of Pedona with a thrilling descent, before the majestic arrival on the seafront.

MAIN ENTRIES: Twenty-five teams with forecast favorites for the trio formed by Bergamo sprinter Marco Manenti of Team Hopplà, winner of six races and always a protagonist in recent races, Versilia native Tommaso Dati of Biesse Carrera, returning from the Tour de l'Ain in France as a trainee with the Cofidis jersey, and Lucca's Edoardo Cipollini of MBHBank Colpack Ballan who will wear number one, as the Bergamo team won last year's edition with Sergio Meris. The trio has the means and condition to achieve success, but rivals are not lacking, ready for the challenge like Parravano, Magli, Guzzo, Zurlo, the two Tuscan champions Regnanti and Lorello, Iacomoni, Bambagioni, Carrò, Camargo, Cantoni, Granger, Innocenti, Ansaloni, Cordioli, Baseggio, Carollo, Biancalani. Finally, watch out for the English Team Zappi and the Russian PC Baix Ebre Tortosa, for a challenge of emotions and spectacle.

THE ROUTE: Meeting at Piazza T. Tasso with unofficial start at 7:10, then official departure from Via Pistoiese at 7:30 after passing the Indiano viaduct. From here Poggio a Caiano, Pistoia (km 29 at 8:10), Montecatini Terme, Vico, Marliana (km 56 at 8:50), Prunetta, Prataccio, Piteglio, La Lima (km 80 at 9:25), Bagni di Lucca, Diecimo, Sesto a Moriano (km 116 at 10:20), San Martino in Freddana, Montemagno, Camaiore, Pedona (km 152 at 11:10), Corsanico, Montramito, Viareggio (Piazza Mazzini km 170 at 11:40).

The A.S. Aurora race (first edition for new president Massimo Sandrelli) is technically and logistically organized by the Pistoia Motorcyclists Group, with a special remembrance for the late Giampaolo Ristori who from 1946 until his passing did so much for the race and its growth. The first sponsor of Firenze-Viareggio is the Corpo Vigili Giurati, which this year celebrates 100 years since its founding, with several other companies always available for the August 15th classic, sponsored by the Tuscany Region, the Metropolitan City of Florence, and the municipalities of Florence and Viareggio. The latter signed a three-year agreement with the Florence organizers just three days ago, extending until 2027, essentially until the eightieth edition.