Carnevale Trophy

The Carnevale Trophy: Opening the Abruzzo Cycling Season

The Carnevale Trophy is one of the most anticipated cycling events of the Abruzzo winter. Hosted on the seafront of San Salvo Marina, a seaside district of the municipality of San Salvo in the province of Chieti, the event is considered the classic season opener for the ACSI cycling calendar in Abruzzo and represents the first stage of the Giro d'Abruzzo, the regional circuit that follows amateur riders throughout the season.

A Fast Circuit by the Sea

The race is held on a flat circuit laid out along the San Salvo Marina seafront, closed to traffic and free of climbs, to be repeated several times to complete the race distance. It is a course that rewards speed and teamwork, appreciated by amateur cyclists for its safety and the stunning Adriatic backdrop. The meeting point is set for the morning at the Sports Hall (Palazzetto dello Sport) of San Salvo Marina, the hub for registration, bib collection, and the start line.

Categories and Participation

The Carnevale Trophy is a national road race open to male and female amateur categories. Each edition draws over 150 athletes from Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, and across Central and Southern Italy, with a strong showing from local clubs. Female participation is encouraged with free registration for women, and large teams benefit from proportional free entries for their registered athletes.

Prizes and Tradition

The awards celebrate local gastronomic traditions: the overall winners and the first woman receive a prosciutto, while the top five in each category are also awarded. The actual Carnevale Trophy is awarded to the team with the highest number of participants, a coveted prize that fuels healthy rivalry among Abruzzo clubs. To close the morning, the Pro Loco San Salvo hosts the traditional pasta party for all participants.

A Community Celebration

Established in 2006, the Carnevale Trophy has grown edition after edition to become a permanent fixture on the amateur calendar of Central and Southern Italy. The success of the event is due to the collaboration between the Atletica Velo Club San Salvo, the Pro Loco, the Civil Protection, and local radio amateurs, who ensure safety and hospitality. More than just a race, the Carnevale Trophy is a celebration of sport and community that kicks off the cycling season in San Salvo and the entire Abruzzo region.