Mastodonte Relays - Giovanni Gallo Memorial

The grand finale of the Valtriversa circuit

The Mastodonte Relays are a stage cycling competition established in 2025 by a group of cycling enthusiasts from Valtriversa, the valley of the Triversa stream that winds through the hilly hinterland of the Province of Asti, in Piedmont. The circuit consists of six evening races, held every Thursday between May and June, passing through as many municipalities: San Damiano d'Asti, Villafranca d'Asti, Monale, Roatto, Ferrere, and finally Cantarana, which hosts the concluding stage.

Cantarana and the Giovanni Gallo Memorial

For the town of Cantarana, this evening is no ordinary stage: by hosting the final race, the town provides the backdrop for the Giovanni Gallo Memorial, a commemorative event that defines the spirit of the gathering. At the end of the race, the dedicated trophy is awarded, and most importantly, the overall winner of the entire circuit is crowned, based on the cumulative points earned across the individual stages. It is the night when the results of weeks of challenges across the Asti hills are finally tallied.

How the race works

The race takes place on a city loop of approximately 2.5 kilometers winding through the streets and dirt paths of the historic center—a mixed-surface course that tests both skill and endurance. Participants cycle for about an hour plus a final lap, in a format designed to be spectacular and accessible to the public. Eligible categories include pairs (divided by age group), solo riders, e-bikes, and gravel bikes, opening the challenge to cyclists of all levels.

A pedal-powered village festival

Beyond the competition, the evening in Cantarana has the feel of a popular local festival: the organizers, in collaboration with the Valle del Mastodonte Trade District and local Pro Loco associations, offer a final refreshment stop featuring typical local products. Sport, community, and gastronomy intertwine in an event that celebrates the small villages of Valtriversa and their hilly landscape.