Bosco Difesa Grande Mediofondo (Pippo Agostinacchio Memorial)

A classic of Apulian mountain biking

The Bosco Difesa Grande Mediofondo has become a staple of the Puglia amateur cycling calendar. Every year, as spring begins, hundreds of bikers gather in Gravina in Puglia, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, to test themselves on the trails of Bosco Difesa Grande, one of Southern Italy's most fascinating green lungs. The race is organized by ASD Amicinbici Losacco Bike under the auspices of the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI).

Bosco Difesa Grande and the Alta Murgia

The event's setting is a place of rare beauty: the Bosco Difesa Grande stretches across the heart of the Alta Murgia National Park, straddling the border between Puglia and Basilicata. The tracks wind through the shade of five oak species that define the reserve, featuring technical climbs and descents, single tracks, and panoramic views of the Murgia plateau. This natural context makes this mediofondo more than just a race: it is an immersion into the landscape and traditions of the Gravina area.

Routes for everyone

The event offers multiple tracks to satisfy both competitive athletes and enthusiasts:

• Mediofondo route — approximately 42 km with 650 meters of elevation gain, reserved for the most trained riders.
• Recreational route — approximately 24 km with 350 meters of elevation gain, more accessible and suitable for those looking for a non-competitive experience.
• E-bike — space is also provided for pedal-assisted mountain bikes, which are becoming increasingly popular.

The Pippo Agostinacchio Memorial

Since 2025, the event has been dedicated to the memory of Pippo Agostinacchio, a beloved figure who gave great impetus to the local cycling movement. The Memorial is a heartfelt tribute from the entire cycling community, which remembers him every year by starting in the woods he loved so much.

Sport, territory, and community

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Bosco Difesa Grande Mediofondo serves as a powerful promotional tool for Gravina in Puglia, a city shortlisted for the 2028 Italian Capital of Culture. The event attracts bikers from all over Puglia and neighboring regions like Basilicata and Calabria, and is part of the Challenge XCP MTB Puglia circuit, which brings together the region's main cross-country and mediofondo races.