On Sunday, October 12th, the first edition of 100x100 Women took place, the cycling event conceived by Paola Gianotti, an Ivrea-based ultracyclist and 4x Guinness World Record holder, which transformed the roads of Canavese into a great two-wheeled gathering, where sport, solidarity, and territorial discovery intertwined in a day that left its mark. 460 women pedaled together for a different kind of cycling: without stopwatches, without rankings, but with the desire to share an authentic experience. The initiative was realized in collaboration with GAL Valli del Canavese, Canavese Village, and the Municipality of Ivrea.

WHEN CYCLING UNITES

At the start from the Canoe Stadium, there were women from all over Italy - Veneto, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Umbria, Calabria, Sardinia - and also from abroad: Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil, Switzerland. About 300 of them tackled the full 100 km route with 1,200 meters of elevation gain, while others chose the 50 km version. All, with the same spirit: to challenge themselves and pedal for other women. 12,600 euros were raised and will be entirely donated to two concrete projects:

• Distribution of sanitary pads for women in Pikine Est (Senegal);

• Installation of free dispensers for hygiene products in Canavese schools, accompanied by educational initiatives against menstrual cycle taboos.

At the start, the Mayor of Ivrea Matteo Chiantore signed the symbolic check together with Paola Gianotti, confirming support for these initiatives.

STORIES THAT LEFT A MARK

Among the participants were women of all ages: at the extremes, Mrs. Flavia, 79 years old, who completed the 50 km with enthusiasm, and Paola's little granddaughter, Zoe, 5 years old, who symbolically opened the start. Two Colombian girls crossed the finish line in tears. A woman from Calabria pedaled in memory of her sister-in-law, a victim of femicide. Another brought the Afghan flag to remember the denied rights of women in her country. Adding to the day's beauty, journalist Stefania Andriola and professional athlete and coach Sabrina Schillaci, event ambassadors who pedaled alongside the participants, sharing enthusiasm and support. Different stories, united by a common thread: the strength of being present.

"What moved me most were the over 400 hugs received from women happy to have participated," says Paola Gianotti. "People who didn't know each other but helped each other along the route. There was so much sisterhood, and a contagious energy that I will always carry with me."

A TERRITORY TO DISCOVER

Canavese welcomed the participants with enchanting sceneries: Lake Viverone in the morning, the climb towards Valchiusella, returning to Ivrea in the afternoon light. 350 arrows along the route guided the cyclists without uncertainty; the refreshment points in Borgomasino and Vialfré offered local products; and the final pasta party at the Canoe Stadium became a moment of sharing and day stories. Over 200 people stayed overnight in Ivrea, discovering a territory many didn't know and promising to return.

PAOLA GIANOTTI'S VOICE

"I am extremely happy with the first edition of 100x100 Women," declares Paola Gianotti, four-time Guinness World Record holder and activist for road safety and the environment. "I didn't expect such a big response, nor all this energy. It was a 100 km long party on the most beautiful roads of Canavese. I thank those who believed in the project - GAL Valli del Canavese, Consorzio del Canavese, the City of Ivrea - and the over 50 people who helped us. But most of all, thanks to all the women who pedaled for other women. This is my greatest emotion."

RACE PACK AND SUPPORT NETWORK

The race pack, thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, included the official event t-shirt, a neck warmer made by Laboratorio Ricrearti with fabric remnants from Elastic Interface, a personalized water bottle, a cap from Alvento, local gastronomic products, and other gadgets provided by the initiative's partners. A special thanks goes to all the people and organizations that made the event possible.

Among those present were deputy Mauro Berruto along with representatives of the co-organizers - GAL Valli del Canavese and Canavese Village, Davide Marchegiano, who handled the technical aspects, and Mayor Matteo Chiantore. The contribution of Ivrea Canoa Club, local associations - Uisp, 5 Laghi, Fiab, Avis - and over 50 volunteers was fundamental. The event received support from media partners La Sentinella del Canavese and Bikeitalia.

A WEEKEND OF EMOTIONS

The weekend opened on Saturday, October 11th with "100% Women at Giacosa", a musical and dance evening entirely by women at the Giacosa Theater in Ivrea, featuring the string quartet Artemide and the Centro Danza Arabesque, with free admission for the community.

100x100 Women was much more than a bike ride: it was a collective experience that united women, sport, and solidarity. The next appointment is already set for 2026. And the journey has just begun.

Photo credit: Stefano Orso Fiet di Alob.it