Matese Bike Fest

The Matese Bike Fest in Piedimonte Matese

The Matese Bike Fest is an event in Piedimonte Matese (province of Caserta, Campania) that dedicates an entire weekend to cycling. It is more than just a race: the core idea is the connection between sport, nature, and health—three concepts that, in this region, mean learning to appreciate the mountains by riding through them. For two days, the town of Piedimonte Matese, the historic gateway to the massif, becomes the base camp for enthusiasts arriving from across Southern and Central Italy.

The Matese Cycle Tour, the heart of the event

The most anticipated moment is the Matese Cycle Tour, organized by the Matese Bike Team, which celebrated its seventh edition in 2025. It is a non-competitive cycle excursion: there is no stopwatch to dictate the pace, but rather a group that sets off together to explore the territory at a leisurely, tourist-friendly speed. The format is open to various types of bikes—mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes—with different routes, generally covering 30 or 40 kilometers, allowing everyone to choose the challenge that best suits their fitness level.

The meeting point is traditionally in the Santa Maria Occorrevole area, just outside Piedimonte Matese, where race bibs and goody bags are distributed early in the morning. Participation is capped—in 2025, the limit was set at 500 riders—and registration closes well in advance, so early booking is highly recommended.

What you will discover

The true value of the ride lies in the landscape. The trails pass through some of the massif's most iconic landmarks:

• Lake Matese, the highest karst lake in Italy, at approximately 1,060 meters above sea level;
• Monte Raspato, reaching nearly 1,400 meters in altitude;
• Campobraca and its karst caves, a testament to the plateau's limestone geology;
• Woods, high-altitude pastures, and mule tracks connecting the local villages.

It is a rugged and beautiful environment, now protected by the Matese Park, and the festival explicitly champions this: riding here means respecting the rules of a protected area, from trail etiquette to waste management.

More than just cycling: excursions and workshops

Alongside the cycling events, the Matese Bike Fest offers a program designed for those who don't have a bike or prefer to walk. Past editions have featured a hiking excursion along the San Pasquale trail, one of the most scenic routes on the Piedimonte side, as well as workshops and seminars on mechanics, safety, nutrition, and environmental conservation. This is a deliberate choice: the festival aims to appeal to families and newcomers, not just experienced cyclists.

An event that drives the local area

The impact on the town is significant. In June 2025, accommodation facilities in Piedimonte Matese and neighboring towns were fully booked by the eve of the event: a clear indicator of how cycle tourism has become a concrete development lever for the Alto Casertano, an area defined by small villages, mountain agriculture, and growing slow tourism. The Matese Bike Fest is now part of a busy local cycling calendar, animated by the Matese Bike Team, which is highly active in both competitive sports and social initiatives in the region.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held at the end of June, when the Matese heights are clear of snow but the southern summer heat is not yet overwhelming: the 2025 edition took place on Saturday, June 28th, and Sunday, June 29th. To stay updated on dates, routes, and registration for the next edition, it is best to follow the organizing association's channels and the announcements from the Municipality of Piedimonte Matese.