Everything is ready for the opening stage of the eleventh edition of the "Mediterranean Tour in Pink," a prestigious stage race reserved for the women's open category, scheduled from today, Friday 18, to Sunday 20 September. The president of the organizing committee Luigi Eucalipto, assisted by Salvatore Belardo and Francesco Vitiello, is ready to welcome the 120 registered riders, wearing the colors of 24 different teams, including 4 UCI Continental Teams (Isolmant - Premac - Vittoria, Team Mendelspeck e-work, Top Girls - Fassa Bortolo and Vini Fantini - BePink). 14 nations are represented: Italy, New Zealand, Ukraine, Colombia, Greece, Israel, Russia, Australia, Cyprus, San Marino, Slovenia, Albania, United States and Switzerland.

This evening a spectacular individual time trial, 1700 meters long designed in the heart of Frattamaggiore (NA), will determine the first leaders of the elite and junior general classifications. After the impressive team presentation ceremony, the first athlete will start at 20:30 from the ramp located on the central via Roma. Frattamaggiore is an Italian municipality of just under 29,000 inhabitants, located in the metropolitan city of Naples.

Granted the title of city back in 1902, it rises in the area of 'Campania Felix', one of the most fertile zones of the peninsula in ancient times. The name has early medieval roots and derives from 'Fracta Maior'; historically it is known as an important agro-industrial center, particularly famous for hemp production. The local historical and religious heritage is concentrated mainly in its historic center. The Basilica of San Sossio Levita and Martire is the main place of worship in the city, dedicated to the patron saint. The Torre dei Palummi, on the other hand, is a characteristic dovecote located near the central via Roma. Among other parishes of note and artistic importance are those of San Filippo Neri and San Rocco. In 2008, by executive decree of the Campania Region, it received official recognition as a city of art.

Tomorrow, Saturday 19 September, it will be the turn of the Crispano-Santa Maria a Vico stage of 81.2 kilometers (plus 5 kilometers of transfer), characterized by a flat section of 30.7 kilometers and a final circuit, 6650 meters long to be repeated seven times. Precisely in the concluding laps, particularly technical, the most significant obstacles will be contained, with the climb towards the GPM of Santa Maria a Vico that could cause considerable selection. The checkered flag that will give the official start to the competition will be lowered at 13:30 from via Pizzo delle Canne in Crispano (NA), while the final finish line will be located in Piazza Roma, the beating heart of Santa Maria a Vico (CE).

Sunday 20 September, finally, the great spectacle will move to the roads of Caivano, where the 'fast wheels' of the peloton will not want to miss the opportunity to compete in a sprint for the much-coveted final victory. The race circuit, 7600 meters long to be repeated twelve times (91.2 kilometers total), presents no particular difficulties from an altimetric point of view. Also at stake is the eighty-seventh edition of the historic "Coppa Caivano," one of the longest-running competitions in the national and international cycling landscape. The race will officially start at 10:00 from Corso Umberto I, where the final finish line will also be located.

THE JERSEYS OF THE "MEDITERRANEAN TOUR IN PINK"
- Azure Jersey "Effebiquattro Milano": first classified elite/under 23 category
- White Jersey "Futura Fotovoltaico": first classified junior category
- Green Jersey "F.lli Balsamo - Ambiente & Servizi srl": first classified GPM
- Cyclamen Jersey "Petrone - Antica Distilleria dal 1858": first classified TV