Motocavalcata della Madonna and Luca Cestaro Memorial

An enduro ride in the heart of Piedmont

The Motocavalcata della Madonna is the late-summer event for enduro and off-road enthusiasts in the Alessandria region. Organized by the Moto Club Castellazzo Bormida in the municipality of Castellazzo Bormida, in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont), it is a non-competitive event open to enduro bikes and quads: no stopwatches or rankings, just a day of riding, scenery, and camaraderie among bikers.

In recent years, the ride has been linked to the Luca Cestaro Memorial, dedicated to the memory of a friend of the club: a way to remember, in the saddle, someone who lived that same passion to the fullest.

The route

The track winds through the trails and hills around Castellazzo Bormida for about 100-120 km, with the option for the most fit riders to tackle a longer 150-200 km loop. The route is organized into two laps, with a "fettucciato" (grass track) section of a few kilometers to be completed at the end of each loop: a taste of technical riding suitable for both expert enduro riders and those looking for a challenging yet accessible adventure. Participation is also open to quads, which can ride the circuit alongside the motorcycles.

Castellazzo Bormida, home of the bikers

It is no coincidence that an event dedicated "to the Madonna" was born here: Castellazzo Bormida houses the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine della Creta, where the famous Madonnina dei Centauri is venerated. In 1947, Pope Pius XII proclaimed this Madonna the patron saint of motorcyclists, and since 1946, the town has hosted a historic international rally every summer that attracts motorcycle pilgrims from all over Europe. The Motocavalcata is part of this tradition that has intertwined faith and a passion for two wheels in Castellazzo Bormida for nearly a century.

More than just a motorcycle ride

The registration fee covers the entire day: breakfast at the start, refreshments along the route, lunch upon return, and a commemorative gift. Non-riding companions can join for lunch by booking their spot. The event is sponsored by the Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) and the Municipality of Castellazzo Bormida.

The evening in the square

The day doesn't end upon return: Castellazzo Bormida hosts an evening with street food and music, an opportunity for participants, families, and curious onlookers to gather and conclude a day spent on the trails of Piedmont in a convivial atmosphere.