L'Ardita Vintage Cycling Event of Alpe di Poti
Arezzo's vintage cycling event, winding through the historic center and the climb of Alpe di Poti
About L'Ardita
A ride through cycling history
L'Ardita is the Alpe di Poti vintage cycling event, an Aretine gathering dedicated to classic bicycles that every spring transforms the historic center of Arezzo, in the heart of Tuscany, into a grand celebration of heroic cycling. Wearing wool jerseys, retro eyewear, and vintage attire, participants relive the era of past champions, riding on white roads and hilly asphalt with classic bikes dating up to the 1980s and historic mountain bikes.
Start and finish in the heart of Arezzo
The event kicks off in the spectacular Piazza Grande, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval squares, and concludes on Via Ricasoli, in front of the Cathedral. From here, cyclists head toward the hills surrounding the city, reaching the famous Alpe di Poti climb, the true symbol of the event and the stage for the time trial that tests the legs of the most seasoned riders.
Four routes for everyone
L'Ardita offers four tracks designed for every type of participant:
- Gourmet (approx. 30 km): a leisurely excursion to enjoy the landscape and local specialties;
- Classico (approx. 50 km): reaching Subbiano, for those seeking a moderate challenge;
- 65 km Route: including the climb of Alpe di Poti;
- L'Ardita (approx. 80 km): the ultimate challenge featuring the Alpe di Poti time trial.
A full weekend of events
Beyond the Sunday ride, L'Ardita brings Arezzo to life for three days with a packed side program: the Friday "Arditi" aperitif, the swap meet for vintage bicycles, spare parts, and accessories, cycling exhibitions, the "Senza freni" (Without Brakes) conference with champions and journalists, the "Arditi" dinner, and the "L'Arditina" gymkhana for children. The same weekend also hosts ArezzoGravel, dedicated to modern gravel bikes, creating a true cycling festival.
Tradition and territory
Organized by the Gli Arditi del Ciclismo association, the event attracts enthusiasts from numerous Italian regions, combining sport, culture, and slow tourism. It is the perfect opportunity to discover Arezzo and its hills on two wheels, in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the timeless beauty of cycling.
L'Ardita — edition 2026
The 10th edition of L'Ardita celebrated ten years of the Alpe di Poti vintage cycling event with a full weekend dedicated to classic cycling in Arezzo. The main ride, starting Sunday morning from Piazza Grande, offered four routes through the Aretine hills, with the Alpe di Poti time trial as the highlight. The program also included the ArezzoGravel race, a vintage bike swap meet, exhibitions, conferences, and social gatherings.
Programme L'Ardita 2026
Friday, March 27
- 15:00 — Inauguration with authorities at the Atrio d'Onore of the Province
- 15:00-19:00 — Opening of the organizational office (registration and race pack collection)
- Evening — "Arditi" aperitif
Saturday, March 28
- 8:00-9:30 — Start of ArezzoGravel from Piazza della Libertà (rolling start)
- 9:00-19:00 — Vintage bike swap meet, cycling festival, and exhibitions
- 15:00-17:00 — "L'Ardita on foot", urban trekking from Piazza della Libertà
- 16:00 — ArezzoGravel awards ceremony
- 17:00-19:30 — "Senza freni" conference with cycling champions and journalists
- 21:00-23:00 — "Arditi" dinner (mandatory booking)
Sunday, March 29
- 7:00-8:00 — Collection of race numbers and packs at the Province headquarters
- 9:00 — Start of the vintage cycling event from Piazza Grande
- 9:30-12:00 — "L'Arditina", children's gymkhana at Prato di Arezzo
- 9:45 — Guided tour of Aretine monuments (meeting at the Cathedral)
- 9:00-16:00 — Swap meet and cycling exhibitions
- 15:30 — L'Ardita awards ceremony
The routes
- Gourmet — approx. 30 km
- Classico — approx. 50 km (to Subbiano)
- 65 km Route — with the Alpe di Poti climb
- L'Ardita — approx. 80 km, with the Alpe di Poti time trial
Highlights L'Ardita 2026
Prices L'Ardita 2026
Practical information — L'Ardita
Getting there
Arezzo is easily accessible by train (Arezzo station on the Rome-Florence line) and by car via the A1 motorway, Arezzo exit. The historic center is just a few minutes from the station.
Registration and fees
Registration for the event is done online via the official website. On-site registration is also available on Friday and Saturday at the organizational office. The "Arditi" dinner requires mandatory booking.
Tips
We recommend wearing vintage-style clothing and using a vintage bike to fully experience the atmosphere. For those arriving from out of town, Arezzo offers numerous accommodation options in the historic center and surrounding areas.
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Where does it take place — L'Ardita
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande, 52100 Arezzo