Giornata Azzurra - Youth Cycling Race
A celebration of youth cycling on the roads of Casalgrasso, featuring Esordienti and Allievi categories
About Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso
A day dedicated to cycling's young prospects
The Giornata Azzurra is the annual event that brings the best of Piedmontese youth cycling to Casalgrasso, in the plains of the Province of Cuneo. Organized by the Ardens Cycling Team, the event attracts cycling clubs from all over Piedmont and beyond, filling the streets of this small town along the Po River with colorful jerseys and the cheers of enthusiastic fans.
The stars of the day are the Esordienti (13 and 14-year-old athletes) and Allievi (15 and 16-year-old athletes) categories, who compete on a circuit mapped out within the town. It is more than just a race: for years, the Giornata Azzurra has also served as the setting for awarding several Cuneo provincial championship titles for youth categories, a recognition that gives the event a special status in the regional calendar.
The circuit and the cobblestone finish
The track is largely flat, ideal for showcasing the skills of sprinters, yet features a finale capable of separating the field. The Esordienti tackle three laps for a total of about 28 km, while the Allievi cover seven laps, totaling about 65 km. The final kilometer is a straightaway, and the last 300 meters are characterized by cobblestones, providing spectacular finishes on the paved square in the town center.
A town festival centered on cycling
More than just a race, the Giornata Azzurra is a moment of celebration for Casalgrasso and the entire cycling community of the Cuneo area. The families of the young athletes, club supporters, and local enthusiasts gather along the route and at the finish line to cheer on the riders, in a genuine atmosphere that defines grassroots amateur cycling.
The event is part of Piedmont's rich cycling tradition—a land of great races and vibrant youth sectors—and represents an important step in the growth of many young riders taking their first steps here toward professional cycling.
When it takes place
The Giornata Azzurra is traditionally held in the spring, during the month of May. The 2026 edition took place on Sunday, May 25, 2026, on the roads of Casalgrasso.
Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso — edition 2026
The 2026 Giornata Azzurra was held on Sunday, May 25 in Casalgrasso, organized by the Ardens Cycling Team, bringing together the Esordienti (1st and 2nd year) and Allievi categories on a flat circuit with a finish on the town center's cobblestones.
Among the 2nd-year Esordienti, victory went to Tommaso Milani (Pedale Ossolano), who arrived solo at the paved finish line; the Cuneo provincial champion title was won by Andrea Racca (Ardens). Among the 1st-year Esordienti, Alessandro Barbero (Contraband Cycling Team) prevailed, while the provincial title went to Gioele Ramondetti (Alba Bra Langhe Roero). In the Allievi category, success went to Davide Quattrone (Ciclistica Rostese), ahead of Nicolò Raimondi and Francesco Rodigari.
Programme Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso 2026
Sunday, May 25, 2026
Race schedule by category on the Casalgrasso circuit:
- Esordienti (13/14 years old): 3 laps of the circuit for a total of about 28 km, with a finish on the center's cobblestones.
- Allievi (15/16 years old): 7 laps of the circuit for about 65 km total.
During the day, several Cuneo provincial champion titles were awarded for youth categories.
The start times for each category are communicated by the organization and the Italian Cycling Federation - Piedmont Committee in the days leading up to the race.
Highlights Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso 2026
The spectacular finale with the last 300 meters on the cobblestones of Casalgrasso's center, the solo victory of Tommaso Milani among the Esordienti, and the awarding of the Cuneo provincial titles for youth categories.
Prices Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso 2026
Practical information — Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso
How to get there
Casalgrasso is located in the Cuneo plains on the border with the Province of Turin, a short distance from the A6 Turin-Savona motorway (Carmagnola/Marene exits) and accessible via the SP road for Carmagnola and Racconigi. The nearest train station is Carmagnola, on the Turin-Savona line.
Admission
Spectating the races along the route and at the finish line is free and open to everyone.
Information
For the calendar and details of youth races, you can contact the Italian Cycling Federation - Piedmont Committee (tel. +39 011 6600363, [email protected]) or the organizing club, Ardens Cycling Team.
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Where does it take place — Giornata Azzurra Casalgrasso
Centro di Casalgrasso