Triathlon Challenge Cesenatico: a protest is mounting on the hills from numerous citizens who do not like becoming “hostage for six hours of a sporting competition that causes inconvenience”.
The challenging middle-distance competition takes place on Sunday, part of a circuit that every year has more than 35 races in 27 countries around the world. For the first time, the race touches Cesenatico and the Rubicone, and so from 9am to 3pm various roads will have to be closed to traffic, including the Sp 9, from Montiano to Santa Paola, and the Sp 40 from Santa Paola to Longiano.
The inconveniences
This announced prolonged disruption of normal traffic will make life difficult for those who have to travel for work or for families who wanted to enjoy Sunday by travelling, and therefore complaints are pouring in at this time. Some restaurants and piadina shops have announced that they will be forced to close. The greatest disruption is expected in Roncofreddo, as the weekly market has also been canceled and the shops, normally open on Sundays, will be closed.
The protests
«Is it possible that we are only affected by the inconveniences of a race that brings nothing? – the traders ask themselves – And then the flyer “we ask you to make the warmth of your support felt on the streets” is a complete joke. Our work deserves respect.”
Some people from Longiano are on the same wavelength: «We are sequestered at home, without even being able to cross the road. We don’t care about racing.”
From Montiano they add: «Blocking down entire countries for the entertainment of a few is an opprobrium. Such inconveniences cannot be created for those who have to go to work and those who have to travel for health reasons.”
Mayors in the trenches
The first citizens of the hilly municipalities affected report that they could not have done otherwise: «I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused – says Sara Bartolini, mayor of Roncofreddo – but it is an international competition and after the landslides suffered last year, having the spotlight on the Our territory allows us to let people know that we are operational and have wonderful territories to see. It is the first edition and we have informed everyone. We will meet with traders and street vendors in the following days to take stock and decide whether or not it will be feasible in the future.”
«It’s an advertising moment for the area and we had to take advantage of it – echoes Fabio Molari, mayor of Montiano – We informed everyone in time and ask for patience for the inevitable inconveniences».
«The local police have been delivering information leaflets in every street for days – concludes Mauro Graziano, mayor of Longiano – Restaurants can work: their customers must follow alternative routes. And residents must organize themselves in time.”
