From nine years, so many like its editions disputed till now, ill relives every spring in Romagna the everlasting myth of Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, rivals champions of heroic cycling.
It’s in fact devoted to the “Heron” and “Campionissimo” from Castellania and to “Iron rider” from Ponte a Ema - so nicknamed the one for the slender figure and the other for his leathery characteristics - the “International Cycling Week of Coppi e Bartali“, one of the most important stage-races of Italian professional calendar.
As from so many years, it will be also in 2008 our territory to have the honour to entertain the start of this important event organized by Adriano Amici’s Sport Group Emilia that from many years officially starts from Riccione, with central Ceccarini Avenue and waterfront welcome departure and arrival of the first stage.
After Milan-Sanremo and approaching Giro d’Italia, always many champions choose, with their teams, to ride “International Week of Coppi e Bartali” to improve their form condition, as testified by the list of winners crowded by important names.
From Francesco Casagrande to Damiano Cunego, from Mirko Celestino to Franco Pellizotti, to Olympic champion Paolo Bettini winner in 2000’s edition.
Are now few days to 2008’s edition, which will take place from 25th to 29th of March, and to its official presentation on next 17th March in Riccione.
It’s now the right moment to program a holiday in Riccione and to admire so close the champions on race, even staying in one of many Bike Hotels that usually welcome riders’ teams during the long stay in Riccione for licences verify and first stage.
After the start in Romagna, the race will finish in Emilia’s territory, after five difficult stages.