GP Al Baret

A village race in the heart of the rice fields

The GP Al Baret is one of the most cherished amateur cycling events in Arborio, a municipality in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Nestled in the rice-growing plains that gave their name to one of Italy's most famous rice varieties, the Arborio, the village transforms during the race into a small stage for grassroots road cycling—a sport defined by passion, endurance, and community spirit.

Organization and naming

The race is organized under the aegis of ACSI Ciclismo Biella Vercelli, with the support of Team A Ruota Libera and local sports groups. The name pays homage to the Bar Al Baret on Corso Umberto I, the town's historic meeting spot and the place where riders gather before the start. It is this bond between sport and daily life that gives the event its popular identity.

Categories and challenges

The GP Al Baret is open to a wide range of amateur cycling categories recognized by ACSI: from Senior and Veteran groups to Juniors, as well as Gentleman, Women, and Beginner categories. Starts are staggered throughout the day to ensure a balanced challenge for every age group on the circuit.

Multiple events in one season

This is not a one-off event: several editions of the GP Al Baret are held in Arborio throughout the season, a testament to the vitality of amateur cycling in the Vercelli area. Rankings are regularly published by specialized portals, reflecting the participation and interest the race continues to generate among cycling enthusiasts.

Why it's worth attending

Those who attend the GP Al Baret discover the authentic face of provincial cycling: no professional superstars, just real riders testing themselves on local roads under the open sky of the Vercelli rice fields. A day of genuine sport that tells, on a small scale, the great cycling tradition of Piedmont.