4 Castelli Cycle Tour

A ride through the castles of Tornimparte

The 4 Castelli Cycle Tour is a cycle-tourism event that brings the municipality of Tornimparte, in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, to life every September. This is not a competitive race, but a cycle-touring ride open to traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes, where the effort on the pedals is accompanied by the discovery of a territory that weaves together nature, history, and community. The meeting point is the main village of Villagrande, from where the routes start, crossing woods, pastures, and ancient hamlets.

The name and the territory

The very name of Tornimparte is said to derive from the Latin Turres in Partibus, meaning "towers in the parts": a direct reference to the castles and fortifications that dotted these mountains in the Middle Ages. In 1254, Tornimparte participated with other castles in the founding of the city of L'Aquila, and even today, the town is divided into numerous hamlets, each with its own churches and traditions. The cycling event ideally reflects this historical identity, leading participants to ride through the places that guard the memory of those castles.

The two routes

The event offers two tracks designed to combine athletic effort with the appreciation of the territory, suitable for both experienced cyclists and those simply looking for a day in the open air:

• Easy Route: approximately 25 km with 600 meters of elevation gain, for families and enthusiasts who want to enjoy the landscape without excessive effort;
• Hard Route: approximately 36 km with 1,140 meters of elevation gain, more technical and demanding, reserved for those looking for a tougher challenge on mountain trails.

Both traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes are permitted, making the experience accessible to a wide audience.

Sport, tourism, and community

The 4 Castelli Cycle Tour is a stage of the CiclOtour Abruzzo Experience circuit, promoted by the Italian Sports Centre - L'Aquila Provincial Committee, which brings together various cycle-tourism events held from May to October in the L'Aquila and Marsica areas. The stated goal is to enhance routes of great landscape and technical interest, making cycle-tourism a lever for development for small Apennine villages. The organization collaborates with the Pro Loco Tornimparte, the Orizzonti Guide MTB association, and Tornimparte Bike, under the patronage of the Municipality.

A day of celebration

The event is more than just a ride: the day includes a morning gathering with registration and race pack collection, a group start, refreshment points along the route, and, upon return, a convivial pasta party followed by the awards ceremony. It is a way to combine sport with conviviality, bringing together cyclists from all over Abruzzo and beyond in an informal and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the authentic spirit of the L'Aquila mountains.