12 Hours of Pietravairano

Twelve hours on a bike in the heart of the Alto Casertano

The 12 Hours of Pietravairano is an endurance cycling marathon held in the municipality of Pietravairano, in the Province of Caserta, within the inland Campania region as it climbs toward the Matese mountains. The formula is simple and relentless: start at noon and pedal until midnight, without interruption, on a city loop repeated dozens of times. The winner is not the first to cross the finish line, but the one who has completed the highest number of laps when the twelve hours are up.

It is a young event—the first edition took place in 2024, the second in July 2025—but it stems from extensive experience: the organizing association has been managing cycling events in Pietravairano since 2004, including four editions of a 24-hour marathon.

The circuit: two kilometers closed to traffic

The track winds entirely through the town, with start and finish in Piazza Salvo D'Acquisto and passing along Via Ladevaia, Sant'Antonio Abate, and Palombara. The loop measures approximately two kilometers and is completely closed to traffic for the entire duration of the race, a choice that allows for safe riding even at night.

• Mostly flat course, but with a climb that should not be underestimated
• Several technical curves that make the lap anything but straightforward
• Reinforced lighting with floodlights for the evening and night hours
• Equipped area near the finish line for team recovery between shifts

How to participate: individual, pair, or team

The race is a free-change relay: each team decides when to swap, without rotation constraints. You can race solo, challenging the distance for twelve consecutive hours, or in pairs—including mixed-gender—or in teams of three to six athletes, who must wear matching jerseys. Both road bikes and mountain bikes are allowed, with separate rankings for the different participation categories.

The night hill climb

Alongside the marathon, the program includes a night hill climb held in the final hours of the evening: a climb of about two kilometers with an average gradient of 8%, open to multiple attempts, where each competitor's best time is recorded. For those already registered for the 12 Hours, participation is free.

An entire town surrounding the race

What makes this event special is the atmosphere. For one day, Pietravairano lines the circuit: applause at every pass, volunteers at key points, and merchants involved in the organization. A sports announcer, live music, and a refreshment area accompany the twelve hours of racing, turning an endurance test into a true town festival. In the 2025 edition, over 120 cyclists from all over Italy, from Belluno to Rimini, took to the start line.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by ASD 4x Pietravairano, affiliated with the Centro Sportivo Italiano and led by president Giovanni Scorpio and vice-president Francesco Littera. Since 2004, the association has organized a long series of cycling events in the town: four editions of the 24-hour race, three of the "Lui & Lei" (Him & Her) event, two duathlons, and now the 12 Hours. Registrations and timing are managed via the Next Race platform.

Pietravairano, a starting point to discover the Alto Casertano

The village is located in the hinterland of the Province of Caserta, dominated by Monte San Nicola, on whose summit stands the famous archaeological complex of the Samnite-era temple-theater, one of the most evocative sites in northern Campania. Those arriving for the race will find a territory of hills, olive groves, and small historic centers to visit, a short distance from the Matese mountains and the Volturno river.