The presentation of the professional cycling race organized by Moreno Argentin was attended by the Minister of Tourism Sen. Daniela Garnero Santanché, the CEO of Enit Ivana Jelinic and the representatives of the Regions (Abruzzo, Puglia, Calabria) and Municipalities (Corropoli, Trasacco, Conversano, Castellaneta, Cassano allo Ionio and Crotone) reached by the race.
The Adriatica Ionica Race will take place from 22 to 24 September 2023, in three stages in Abruzzo, Apulia and Calabria, with a new date on the calendar and a renewed impetus.
A major innovation in 2023 for the race organised by Moreno Argentin’s ASD Sportunion is the amplified focus on the narrative project dedicated to the territories traversed by this event to tell their stories through the geography, culture, food and wine and the welcoming soul of these places.
The Adriatica Ionica Race, born in 2018, stands as an international cycling event born in 2018 with the purpose of being a genuine bridge connecting the East and West, fostering bond between people and cultures, setting out to rediscover and promote the territories bathed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Today marks a new step in its history as this race evolves into an enthralling adventure story for the territories of new international cycling.
Just like Marco Polo traversed countries and cultures narrating his experiences in “The Million”, the Adriatica Ionica Race weaves tales of places that have been already associated with cycling, but are now viewed through a fresh lens, embracing the evolution of the sport and its role as an ambassador of the entire area.
New Bike Destinations which will be told with a modern communication plan encompassing video coverage, off-line planning, on-line strategy, city dressing, involvement of local actors and stakeholder outreach.
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
THE CASTING
The Adriatica Ionica Race solidifies its status as an event that not only showcases the beauty of the regions it traverses but also serves as premier stage for the best talents in international cycling. Once again, this year’s race boasts a remarkable international lineup at the start: 18 teams have been selected by the organiser to offer strong emotions to two-wheel enthusiasts. Around ten nations will be represented with teams from Belgium, France, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Spain, Colombia, the United States and Italy: four years after the success that revealed the talent of young Remco Evenepoel to the Italian public, Soudal Quick Step will return to the roads of AIR. Along with this Belgian team, Intermarché Circus Wanty as well; Kazakhstan’s Astana, EF Education Easypost from the US; from Spain Equipo Kern Pharma and Euskaltel Euskadi, and from Switzerland Tudor Pro Cycling, a squad set up by the champion Fabian Cancellara, and Vincenzo Nibali’s Q36.5. The Americans from Team Novo Nordisk will also be competing at AIR 2023 and serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for all those living with diabetes. The Italian colours will be represented by Team Corratec, Green Project Bardiani CSF Faizanè, and Eolo Kometa. In the Apennines of Abruzzo, as well as on the climbs of Puglia and Calabria, the key riders are expected to be the South Americans of GW Shimano Sidermec led by Team Manager Gianni Savio. Completing the starting list will be the best teams on the Italian Continental scene, selected because of their history and performance during the 2023 season.
