Just a century ago an Italian, Bottecchia, won the Tour de France for the first time. In a few days, however, another historic record will arrive: the most important cycling event in the world will start in Italy on Saturday 29 June. In fact, Florence will raise the curtain on the 111th Tour de France.
The bike festival in the Tuscan capital, however, will begin a few days earlier, and will do so in style: from 26 to 28 June 2024, the Stazione Leopolda in Florence will host the first edition of Becycle, the innovative event dedicated to the world of cycling which marks Pitti Immagine’s entry into the world of two wheels, in collaboration with Rouleur.
«Pitti Immagine has long extended its activities beyond the scope of fashion – explains CEO Raffaello Napoleone, in the wake of the presentation of the event which took place yesterday in Milan –, reinterpreting consolidated exhibition formulas based on the needs and peculiarities of other sectors significant for the modern lifestyle. We couldn’t miss an unrepeatable opportunity like the Grand Départ of the Tour from Florence and the consequent presence in the city of the extraordinary international cycling community to launch a Pitti event on the fantastic world of cycling.”
During the three-day event, Becycle will be a meeting point for many personalities and protagonists from the world of two wheels, who will take turns on the two stages of the Stazione Leopolda in a very rich program of talks, ranging from the topics of cycling as a sport at the highest levels up to to mobility, from product design to technology up to travel stories and cycling destinations.
«At Stazione Leopolda, a qualified selection of the best companies in the bicycle, clothing and accessories sector will be the protagonists, but also the regions and territories that represent international excellence in the world of cycle tourism and sustainable mobility – argues Agostino Poletto, general manager of Pitti Immagine – Among the exhibitors there will be some symbolic brands of the Italian industry in the sector, starting with Colnago, De Rosa and Campagnolo, together with other national excellences such as Passoni, 3T and Pard, the clothing of Q36.5 and Nalini, the footwear at the top of the sector of Northwave and Sidi, as well as international leaders such as Cervelo and Assos”.
There are also many topics to be discussed on the stage dedicated to tourism and destinations, where international experts will discuss various topics: the best practices of cycle tourism, but also smart cities, bike economy, mobility, the new trends of gravel and wine tourism.
«The destinations and cycle tourism area – adds Poletto – will bring the experiences of Tuscany, Basilicata, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont-Langhe Monferrato Roero, Veneto, Valtellina, Varese, the international suggestions of Gran Canaria, all the charm of the Eroica world (the historic event which has just developed a manifesto for sustainable cycling with the Ministry of the Environment, ed), which will also exhibit a precious original shirt by Gino Bartali, and the stories of Ediciclo Editore».
Among the prominent events within the Becycle event, the one with Sir Paul Smith also stands out: the British designer, protagonist of the recent Pitti Uomo with his SS25 line, is in fact a well-known lover of two wheels, which he gave shape to in a extraordinary collection of bicycles, ancient and modern, vintage jerseys and memorabilia of great cycling. This is where it comes from Paul’s world of cyclingthe exclusive exhibition that will give Becycle visitors the opportunity to admire the best of Paul Smith’s collection.
Finally, a very rich program of talks will alternate on the two stages of the Leopolda Station, ranging from the topics of cycling as a sport at the highest levels to mobility, from product design to technology up to stories of travel and cycle tourism destinations.
Fans will be able to listen to the stories of great champions such as Vincenzo Nibali, Paolo Bettini and Maurizio Fondriest, be transported to the borderless adventures of Omar Di Felice, discover the plans of Azzurro coach Daniele Bennati one month before the Olympics, but also look at the universe of two wheels from different angles, such as that of a manufacturer like Cristiano De Rosa, the aspect of nutrition together with Elena Casiraghi, sport management with Alex Carera, or the point of view of a great sports and cycling enthusiast like Linus .
The entrance fee for Becycle will be 10 euros for each day. The program and all the protagonists of the talks are available on becycle.pittimage.com.
