The Adriatica Ionica Race 2023, spanning 600 kilometres through Abruzzo, Apulia and Calabria is poised to etch its name in the history of cycling. From the Adriatic to the Ionian Sea, this challenging and spectacular route has been designed by Moreno Argentin to enhance the qualities of the budding talents and great champions at the starting line.
A voyage of discovery of new routes for cycling enthusiasts that also double as a captivating sporting competition among the participants.
The three stages:
STAGE 1 – ABRUZZO | Corropoli (Te) – Trasacco (Aq)
In the golden mountains meandering up towards the heart of the Apennines
STAGE 2 – APULIA | Conversano (Ba) – Castellaneta (Ta)
From sea to sea, through the valley of good living
STAGE 3 – CALABRIA | Cassano all’Ionio (Cs) – Crotone (Kr)
Riding through ancient history in the majestic Sila forest
FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
1st STAGE – CORROPOLI (TE) – TRASACCO (AQ) – 226.2 km
In the golden mountains meandering up towards the heart of the Apennines
The inaugural day of AIR 2023 will also be the longest and most testing stage. The flag will drop in the ancient and picturesque town of Corropoli, nestled in Val Vibrata, a region with an enduring love for cycling. The first pedal strokes will take the riders into the heart of Abruzzo and confront them with the Passo delle Capannelle, the Valico della Forcella and the Valico di Olmo dei Bobbi with no respite. The final 30 kilometres run in the hills of Abruzzo with many climbs and descents leading straight to the Febonio Tower, an unmistakable symbol of Trasacco.
SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
2nd STAGE – CONVERSANO (BA) – CASTELLANETA (TA) – 184.4 km
From sea to sea, through the valley of good living
The Apulian stage will see a very fast start: from the enchanting town of Conversano, the race caravan will speed down to Monopoli and then skirt the Adriatic Sea weaving through Polignano a Mare and Mola di Bari. From here, the athletes will head back inland and up towards Putignano along an uphill faux plan that will force the peloton to drain precious energy until the Massafra climb. To make the stage even more sparkling will be the final circuit featuring the mountain sprint at Laterza but, above all, the uphill ramp that will lead to the finish in Castellaneta.
SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
3rd STAGE – CASSANO ALL’IONIO (CS) – CROTONE (KR) – 193.6 km
Riding through ancient history in the majestic Sila forest
The Adriatica Ionica Race will venture into Calabria to crown the successor to Filippo Zana in the roll of honour. Initial flat kilometres after the start from Cassano allo Ionio before delving into the Sila National Park, leading the peloton to the town of San Giovanni in Fiore, the true capital of Sila. From this point on, the route will be entirely downhill to head towards Cutro and aim for the finish in Crotone directly overlooking the Ionian Sea. It is a chance for the sprinters to express themselves at their best.
