TRENTINO TO BECOME THE CAPITAL OF CONTINENTAL ROAD CYCLING WITH THE UNVEILING OF NEW TRAILS

Cyclists of all abilities will find the region of Trentino in Northern Italy, offers the perfect terrain for an adventure on two wheels with the launch of a new network of bike trails in Primiero and Valle del Chiese.

Unmatched by few areas in Europe, visitors can experience a combination of breath-taking views, exhilarating slopes and calm cross-country tracks and the region has gone to great lengths to ensure the trails are sustainable to reduce the impact on the environment. Cyclists are encouraged to explore the eclectic mix of lively villages, nature parks and mountainous valleys in the region with the help of rental centres, bicycle workshops and cycle maps. Here are just some of the highlights cycling enthusiasts can discover in the region…

Introducing two new cycling routes for 2021:

DoGa

Traversing the rocky Brenta Dolomites and olive groves surrounding the Mediterranean basin of Lake Garda, this new cycling trail offers cyclists the opportunity to explore western Trentino on this 110km route reaching heights of 1,635m above sea level. Visitors will navigate their way along little-travelled forest roads, through four alpine valleys and three mountain passes. Stretching from the riverside town of Malè in the heart of the Val di Sole to the lakeside resort of Riva del Garda, this route is best suited to a gravel or trekking bike as cyclists navigate a range of terrains.

The new route allows cyclists to take in the most spectacular scenery of Trentino as it crosses the breath-taking Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. Never far from the water the trail visits the Vallesinella waterfalls, following the Sarca river through Val di Sole before heading on to Val Rendena and passing Lake Tenno before descending to the shores of Lake Garda. Further highlights include the Museum of the Solandra Civilization in Malè, the cultural centre of the valley, taking in the Adamello glacier, one of the largest in Europe, and relaxing at the Terme di Comano thermal spa housed within the Castle of Stenico. Along the way, visitors are encouraged to sample fresh produce in local delis and restaurants, red and white wines from the region’s nearby wineries and traditional dishes celebrating Trentino’s famed apple harvest. Throughout the route there are plenty of bike-friendly accommodation options to stop off and rest your head after a day exploring on two wheels.

Garda Trentino

Expert cyclists or e-bikers wanting an exhilarating adventure can look forward to this new route with over 1,000m of elevation gain. Featured in the local Riva del Garda Bike Festival, this track retraces the shortest leg of the legendary Bike Marathon where cyclists can challenge themselves on the constantly changing terrain of the Ronda Piccola.

Starting in the heart of Riva, the route showcases the mountain villages of the region including Varone and Tenno before ascending a dirt road into Ville del Monte where cyclists will be met with an incredible view of Lake Garda. Thrill-seekers can take a break to enjoy Lake Tenno, a tranquil spot with crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine woodland before continuing down the “di Mena” road towards Bastiani and Vedesè. The Ronda Piccola reaches its peak at 1,037m at “Sella di Calino” before a cool return through the olive groves of Rancio and an old mule track towards Varignano following onto the town of Riva del Garda. This scenic ride is the perfect challenge for any advanced cyclist.   

The return of sporting events

The long-awaited return of major sporting events in Trentino includes the 2021 Cross Country, Downhill and Four-Cross World Championships from 25 - 29th August which will debut the Short Track into the UCI Mountain World Championships program surrounded by the natural beauty of the Val di Sole. World championship jerseys will be assigned for six disciplines: E-MTB, Four-Cross, Downhill, Team Relay, Cross Country and Short Track, in an inaugural moment for Trentino.

Between 8 – 12th September, the European Road Cycling Championships (Junior, Under 23 and Elite) will be held with routes spanning across the neighbourhoods and suburbs in the hills surrounding the city and cycling enthusiasts will not want to miss the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda, from 15 to 17 October, a long-standing cycling event in the region.

So those looking for inspiration for their next adventure holiday can head to the region of Trentino which has plenty to offer travellers looking to get out and discover this mountain region by bike.

For further details on cycling in Trentino visit www.visittrentino.info/en/guide/summer-sports/cycle-routes

For information on visiting Trentino go to www.visittrentino.info/en