The Municipality of Varazze is pleased to announce the fifth edition of the Varazze Bici Festival (VBF), an event dedicated to two-wheel lovers which will be held on 7 and 8 October 2023 at the Molo Marinai D'Italia, known as the “ Molo del Surf”, located in the picturesque Ligurian town of Varazze.
Source: press release
What is the Varazze Bici Festival
The Varazze Bici Festival, born in 2014 with the aim of promoting activities related to the world of mountain biking and the surrounding area, makes its return after four successful editions between 2014 and 2017, thanks to the will of the Municipality of Varazze and the organizers.
The event will take place at the Molo Marinai D'Italia, known as the "Surf Pier", famous throughout Europe as one of the best spots for surfers. During the weekend, this place will be transformed into a "Jump" area equipped by CPGANG, with ramps and inflatable landing for spectacular freestyle performances.
Among the protagonists of these spectacular performances we will find internationally renowned riders such as Torquato Testa, Diego Caverzasi, and Ivo Pasquettin, ready to amaze the audience with their breathtaking acrobatics. The area dedicated to stands and bike tests will be located right next to the pier, in Piazza De Gasperi, entirely dedicated to the event with exhibition spaces that will host some of the best brands in the MTB sector.
Varazze, with its enchanting combination of sea and mountains, is the "home" of the UNESCO Geopark of Monte Beigua, an area that offers over 50 km of mountain bike trails, with routes suitable for all levels of experience, which from peak of 1.287 m winds down to the sea.
Exceptional testimonials will be Francesco Colombo, professional rider and two-time Italian champion Downhill and Andrea Bruno, Italian Enduro champion, will be protagonists as Special Guests in the activities organized over the weekend.
The Varazze Bici Festival promises an exciting and engaging weekend for mountain bike enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities, shows and opportunities to test the latest innovations in the world of two wheels.
This edition was also born with the idea of raising funds for all the volunteer associations who, with their commitment, make the Varazzino hinterland a destination for bikers who want to experience their passion at 360 degrees in all months of the year.
Bike test
The bicifestival will be an opportunity to try the new 2024 models thanks to the numerous bike tests organized by the brands that will participate in the event. Flyer, Brinke, Intense, Thok, Transition, BCargo, are just some of the brands present in a weekend not to be missed for all MTB lovers.
At MTB school
A "school" area will be set up on the Surf Pier, with a gymkhana course to teach the basics of mountain biking, also suitable for younger people aged 5 and above. The mountain bike schools in the area will offer free courses for members.
Mototherapy with Vanni Oddera
On Saturday in collaboration with Vanni Oddera and the Mountainbike instructors of the Rad School of Genoa, they will give a few moments of fun and light-heartedness to kids with disabilities.
On this occasion, Vanni, Bianconcini and his team will accompany the kids around the pier on electric motorbikes.
Bike safety with the local police
During the weekend, the Italian Bike Patrol Academy will raise awareness among the public about cycling safety, showing the operational techniques of officers on bicycles. Mauro di Gregorio, president and commander of the Local Police of Varazze, will illustrate the important work carried out by the Bike Patrol.
Complete program of the event
Saturday:
9:00 – 22:00 Opening of the expo area
9:00 – 12:00 MTB School by All Mountain Varazze
10:00 Departure E-Bike tour (Andrea Bruno special guide)
11.00 Departure Panoramic Tour Lungomare Europa 14 Warm up Jump Area with athletes
16pm Mototherapy with Vanni Oddera and Massimo Bianconcini and MTB instructors
17.30pm Freestyle Show (Molo Marinai D'Italia)
21pm Show Freestyle Night (Molo Marinai D'Italia)
Sunday:
9:00 – 19:00 Opening of the expo area
9:00 – 12:00 MTB School by All Mountain Varazze and RAD school Genoa 10:00 Departure E-Bike tour (Francesco Colombo special guide) with lunch in Castagnabuona by ASD Goats Varazze
11.00 Departure Panoramic Tour Lungomare Europa
14.00pm Freestyle Show (Molo Marinai D'Italia)
15.00 pm Demonstration of the Italian Academy of Bike Patrol
17.00pm Freestyle Show (Molo Marinai D'Italia)
18.00 pm Closing of the event with thanks
Side activities at the event:
-Single Lift (Bike shuttle)
The Bit Freeride association will carry out the ascent service with vans equipped for transporting bikes and people to the top of Mount Beigua.
You will have the opportunity to travel along gravity trails known and frequented for over twenty years, the scene in the past of international competitions such as the SuperEnduro and the E-Enduro International Series.
-Guided Tours
the Varazze hinterland on board an ebike or pedal along the Lungo mare Europa promenade accompanied by guides from local associations.
-Food
In the stand area you will find Casa Fiorini, an artisanal pasta factory since 1967, an opportunity to taste local products including the “Mandilli de Vaze” De.Co. (typical pasta from Varazze)
Beachcletta (free equipped beach adjacent to the pier) will carry out its usual refreshment service. An additional opportunity for relaxation and fun for riders who will be able to take advantage of the Pump Track, an attraction that will also be available during the winter for bicycles and skateboards.
Key event data:
- 5000 visitors expected over the weekend
- 50 or more km of cycle paths in the Varazze Trail Area
- 1000+ bikes expected over the weekend
- 400k followers of the Instagram profiles associated with the project
- Endless possibilities for fun
For further information on the event and the full programme, please visit the official website of the Varazze Bici Festival at
https://www.varazzemtb.com/varazze-bici-festival/.
