Cross Bike "Andrea Trovato"

A classic of Sicilian off-road cycling

The Cross Bike "Andrea Trovato" has become a historic fixture for off-road cycling in Sicily. Every spring, the Parco di Cosentini, a hamlet in the municipality of Santa Venerina in the province of Catania, transforms into a bustling sports village, welcoming hundreds of athletes, coaches, families, and enthusiasts from across the island. The event, organized by the ASD Andrea Trovato with the patronage of the Municipality of Santa Venerina, is dedicated to the memory of the young athlete who passed away prematurely and whose name the association bears.

The race and the track

The heart of the day is the cross-country (XCO) race, held on a circuit carved through the park and the vineyards surrounding Cosentini. The track, approximately 3.5 km per lap with an elevation gain of about one hundred meters per circuit, features challenging climbs, technical sections, and natural obstacles typical of Olympic-distance cross-country, all set in a lush green landscape on the slopes of Mount Etna. The start and finish lines are located in Piazza Cosentini.

A prestigious regional calendar

This is more than just a local race: it serves as the sole round of the Regional XCO Championship of the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI), awarding the regional title, and is included in the Coppa Sicilia FCI and Coppa Ionica MTB calendars. In the afternoon, the spotlight turns to the youngest riders with the Open Speed XCO circuit reserved for the 'Giovanissimi' category, confirming the Cross Bike's commitment to bridging competitive racing and the promotion of cycling among new generations.

Sport, memory, and community

What makes the Cross Bike "Andrea Trovato" special is the human and social dimension that accompanies the sporting action. The event was born to transform the memory of Andrea into something concrete and tangible, and every year it involves the entire Santa Venerina community. The day traditionally concludes with a convivial lunch offered to all attendees, a symbol of the spirit of togetherness that has always defined the event.

When and where

The event usually takes place in the second half of May in the Parco di Cosentini, Santa Venerina, easily accessible from the Ionian coast of Catania. It is a perfect opportunity to experience a day of authentic sport immersed in the Etna landscape, surrounded by mountain biking, nature, and the flavors of Sicilian tradition.