Lombardy's mountains are increasingly taking center stage in two-wheeled sports: Aprica, Bormio and Madesimo will host the Italian International Downhill Championships and Aprica will also host a stage of the World Cup e-bike. The announcement was made by Federica Picchi, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Lombardy Region with responsibility for Sports and Youth, during a press conference at Palazzo Lombardia with Riccardo Tagliabue, president of the 'Sport inside' sports association, athletes, mayors and territorial representatives.

"Lombardy's mountains," emphasized Federica Picchi, "are becoming the new stage for the most dynamic disciplines on two wheels, where mountain bike technique meets motocross adrenaline. This is demonstrated by a packed calendar: Italian International Downhill Championships, World Cup e-bike, Rider Cup. Innovative, spectacular races held on electric mountain bikes designed to tackle extreme terrain, featuring steep climbs, technical descents and challenging trails. Downhill, in particular, is a high-adrenaline discipline: a race against time on steep courses filled with obstacles, beloved by young riders seeking speed and intense emotions.

The Italian International Downhill Championships will take place in Aprica from June 12-14, in Bormio from July 31 to August 2, and in Madesimo from September 4-6. The three events will also be part of the Italian Cup, the national circuit organized for six years by Sport Inside of Monza, and this year they take on even greater significance thanks to their entry, for the first time in Italy, into the international Rider Cup 2026 circuit, officially recognized by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and FCI (Italian Cycling Federation).

The calendar will be further enriched by the E-Bike World Cup, scheduled in Aprica on June 7, with an Italian FMI Championship event running concurrently. An event that confirms the growth of a rapidly expanding discipline, closely linked to cycle tourism and increasingly strategic for mountain territories, both in terms of attractiveness and extending the tourist season.

"The Italian Cycling Federation, the Italian Motorcycling Federation and all mountain municipalities that believe in sport in all its forms and as a lever to make our mountains attractive year-round," concluded Federica Picchi, "are strongly committed to ensuring, at the same time, safety and protection of athletes."

The issue of safety will also be central, with enhanced medical and sports medicine facilities to support athletes and the public, in collaboration with sector specialists and with the patronage of the 'Transalpin center of pediatric sport medicine and surgery'.

In parallel, work continues on the structural growth of the movement, also through the project for the creation of a Federal Center dedicated to off-road cycling in Valtellina, with particular reference to Aprica.

"The 2026 program," explained Riccardo Tagliabue, "represents the result of work built over time thanks to collaboration between the Lombardy Region, local administrations, federations and organizers, with the aim of consolidating a model that unites sport, territorial promotion, youth and safety."

photo Lombardy Region