Imola, 23 June 2024 – Exactly one week until the historic first passage of the Tour de France in the city. The race, which this year starts in Italy starting on Saturday 29th from Florence, will have its second stage on Sunday 30th, from Cesenatico to Bologna. Dedicated to Marco Pantani, it will arrive in Imola around 2.45pm. It will follow the path of 2020 cycling world championshipsalso tackling the now legendary climb of the Gallisterna, to then end in the Emilian capital.
To best celebrate the event, a morning dedicated to the world of cycling at the Autodromo. The track will be open to bikes from 8 to 11 (the use of helmets is mandatory). Also from 8am, Ciclistica Santerno, Uisp and Triathlon organize a self-managed rally, starting from Piazza Senna, including final refreshment. The same sports associations organize, free of charge, a bike route for children, open to all.
Seine Square will be animated with musical proposals from Radio Bruno. The Autodromo shop is open (including simulators) and it is possible to have lunch at Carburo and Doppio Malto. The Aver association (Association of heroic velocipedists from Romagna) will propose an exhibition of rare historic racing bikes. From the Tower, track side, the large ‘Senna30Years’ banner will be displayed. Furthermore, the central stands of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari will be open, available to those who want to watch the race also on the big screen which will project images of the race live.
From 1pm, again from Piazza Senna it will be possible to enter the Autodromo on foot and head along the route, to the sides of the track, to be able to watch the passing of the race directly from the track. The Municipality’s invitation is to dress in something yellow. Among the collateral initiatives, worth mentioning on Tuesday at 9pm in the library is also the presentation of the book by Beppe Conti ‘The Tour mystery – Triumphs and tragedies, secrets and mysteries of the most important race in the world from 1903 to the present day’ (Minerva, 2024).
“The passage of the Tour de France represents a historical moment of great value for the city, also considering how Imola has long cultivated a profound relationship with cycling – he comments the mayor Marco Panieri –. The city is ready to experience the emotion of his passage.”
Even Castel San Pietro, where the yellow caravan is expected around 3pm arriving from Imola, the Municipality has provided two reception points: one in Piazza Galvani, next to the Cassero, with musical entertainment, and one in Osteria Grande, in the newly redeveloped square in front of the post office, where initiatives are being organized with the involvement of local operators. The fans and the general public in general will still be able to welcome and follow the caravan and runners along the entire route.
