Firenze-Pistoia 1870 Historic Cycling Event
A re-enactment of Italy's first road cycling race
About Firenze-Pistoia 1870
A re-enactment of Italy's first cycling race
The Firenze-Pistoia 1870 is a non-competitive event that brings to life a foundational moment in Italian sports history: the first road cycling race ever held in Italy, which took place on February 2, 1870, on the route connecting Florence to Pistoia. This historic race was the second in the world after the famous Paris-Rouen, and it is still celebrated annually between the two Tuscan towns with an event that combines cycling passion, historical reconstruction, and local heritage.
The route and vintage bicycles
The course faithfully follows the 33 kilometers of the original itinerary: the start is set at Piazzale delle Cascine in Florence, with the finish in Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia. A stop is scheduled along the way in Poggio a Caiano, in front of the Medici Villa, featuring civic ceremonies and commemorative philatelic cancellations. The parade is led by nineteen cyclists representing the daring riders of 1870, followed by enthusiasts in period costumes riding original historic bicycles or faithful reproductions.
Sport, memory, and culture
The Firenze-Pistoia 1870 is not a speed race but a re-enactment; the spirit is one of participation and storytelling rather than competition. Upon arrival in Pistoia, a beauty and elegance contest is held for participants wearing the most authentic period attire. In the days leading up to the ride, the event is enriched by a dense cultural program featuring exhibitions dedicated to Florence as the former capital, conferences, and meetings with local schools.
A Tuscan tradition
The event is organized by the Organizzazioni Ciclistiche Pistoiesi (O.Ci.P.) ASD under the patronage of the Italian Cycling Federation and in collaboration with the Municipalities of Pistoia and Florence, as well as the Municipality of Poggio a Caiano. Set in the heart of the Tuscan winter, it is an appointment that attracts cycling enthusiasts, vintage bike collectors, and curious onlookers, sharing a little-known but fascinating chapter of the history of Pistoia, its province, and all of Tuscany.
Firenze-Pistoia 1870 — edition 2026
The fifth edition of the historic re-enactment of Italy's first road cycling race was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Once again, nineteen cyclists in period attire, riding historic bicycles faithful to the 1870 models, led the parade from Florence to Pistoia, accompanied by enthusiasts in costume and vintage cars. The event confirmed its unique blend of sport, historical memory, and the promotion of the Tuscan territory.
Programme Firenze-Pistoia 1870 2026
Side events — January 28-31, 2026
- January 28 — Inauguration of exhibitions: at the Sala della Musica of the Zeffirelli Museum in Florence, the exhibition "The Firenze-Pistoia in the days of Florence as capital"; at the Magazzini del Sale in Pistoia, the exhibition "The city of Pistoia in the days of Florence as capital".
- January 29 — In Poggio a Caiano, at the Scuderie Medicee, a meeting with secondary schools on the theme "Sport in Tuscany in the days of Florence as capital".
- January 31 — In the afternoon, weather permitting, ecological rides at 2:00 PM in Florence and 4:00 PM in Pistoia, followed by two conferences.
The historic ride — Sunday, February 1, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Departure from Piazzale (Parco) delle Cascine in Florence, with nineteen cyclists on bicycles faithful to 1870 models, followed by participants in period costumes and historic cars.
- 10:30 AM — Stop in Poggio a Caiano, at the Scuderie Medicee, with civic ceremonies and philatelic cancellations dedicated to the historic riders.
- 12:00 PM (approx.) — Arrival in Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia and beauty and elegance contest for the best period attire.
Highlights Firenze-Pistoia 1870 2026
Prices Firenze-Pistoia 1870 2026
Practical information — Firenze-Pistoia 1870
How to get there
The finish line is in Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, in the historic center, easily reachable on foot from the Pistoia train station (Florence-Lucca-Viareggio line). The start is located at Parco delle Cascine in Florence. By car, Pistoia is served by the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway (Pistoia exit).
When
The ride takes place on the first Sunday of February, departing from Florence at 9:00 AM and arriving in Pistoia around noon. Side events (exhibitions, conferences) are held in the preceding days.
Costs
The event is free for the public. Participation in the ride is reserved for registered members and those with vintage bicycles, subject to prior registration.
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Where does it take place — Firenze-Pistoia 1870
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia