Gran Premio della Liberazione – Strade Bianche

A race that weaves sport and memory

The Gran Premio della Liberazione – Strade Bianche is one of the most heartfelt youth cycling events in the province of Arezzo. It takes place every year on April 25th, the anniversary of the Liberation, in the municipality of Civitella in Val di Chiana, Tuscany. Organized by the Polisportiva Albergo-Oliveto, the race is much more than a sporting event: it is an appointment that inextricably links a passion for cycling with the historical memory of the territory.

The link to the history of the Resistance

Civitella in Val di Chiana is one of the most tragically well-known villages in Tuscany for the Nazi-Fascist massacre of June 29, 1944, one of the most serious atrocities committed during the German occupation. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the race takes place on April 25th and that its route crosses the symbolic sites of the Resistance. The day opens in the morning with the laying of laurel wreaths at the war memorials in the various hamlets of the municipality, in the presence of the Mayor. Before the start, at the monument in Piazza Don Alcide Lazzeri, homage is paid to the victims of the massacre with a solemn ceremony accompanied by the notes of the national anthem performed by the Filarmonica Santa Cecilia.

The route on the 'strade bianche'

The track is what makes this race unique and justifies its name. Young athletes face a loop that crosses the medieval village of Civitella and includes a stretch of approximately 4.9 km of 'strade bianche' (gravel roads) from San Giovanni to Civitella, with challenging climbs leading to the mountain grand prix, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire Valdichiana. The official start takes place in the locality of Il Riccio and the finish is set in Albergo, the hamlet that gives its name to the organizing sports club.

Youth categories

The event attracts young cyclists from all over Italy, divided into the Esordienti and Allievi categories. The starts are staggered throughout the day, with the youngest competing in the morning and the main Allievi race in the afternoon. It is a true testing ground for emerging talents in Italian cycling, who measure themselves here on technical and selective terrain.

An appointment in the Arezzo territory

Sponsored by the Municipality of Civitella in Val di Chiana, the Tuscany Region, the Province of Arezzo, the Italian Cycling Federation, and CONI, the race represents a moment of strong identity for the Valdichiana community. Visiting Civitella during the Gran Premio means combining the thrill of sport with the discovery of a village steeped in history, nestled in the rolling hills between Arezzo and Siena.