MTB Revolution - City of Labico

A classic of the Lazio off-road scene

Organized by ASD Meta Bike, the MTB Revolution - City of Labico has become a staple event for the mountain bike community in Lazio. It takes place in Labico, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital overlooking the Via Casilina, located on the border between the Roman countryside and the foothills of the Prenestini Mountains. The event is part of the Pedalatium Off Road circuit and serves as a qualifying round for the ACSI Lazio Regional Championship, where regional category titles are awarded.

The route

The main point-to-point course covers approximately 50 kilometers with 1,200 meters of elevation gain, traversing the territories of Labico, Artena, Valmontone, and Palestrina. It is a flowing yet challenging route: fast dirt sections alternate with technical sectors that require focus and a steady rhythm, featuring a few steep climbs that thin out the pack in the second half of the race. Alongside the competitive event, a shorter and more accessible cycle-touring route is offered for those who want to enjoy the landscape without the pressure of a stopwatch, and recent editions have also included a category dedicated to e-bikes.

The headquarters

The meeting point is at the Franco Capoera Municipal Stadium in Labico, which provides parking, showers, and facilities for athletes, while the expo village remains open throughout the two-day event, with its logistics base along the Via Casilina. The start is in the town center, with competitive riders setting off a few minutes ahead of the cycle-tourists.

A community event beyond the race

The Labico event is more than just a race. Dozens of volunteers, local associations, and regional sponsors collaborate on the organization, manning checkpoints and refreshment stations along the entire loop. By late morning, the event transforms into a collective celebration: a pasta party for all participants, award ceremonies in the early afternoon, and the customary post-race storytelling. The atmosphere is quintessentially Lazio, where competition blends seamlessly with conviviality.

Awards and categories

Awards are not limited to the overall winners: prizes are given to the top five in each category, the largest teams, the "Him and Her" couple classification, and cycle-tourists. This formula celebrates the participation of amateur teams, the true backbone of the regional off-road movement.

Labico and the Prenestini Mountains

Labico is located just over thirty kilometers from Rome, in an area that blends agriculture, archaeology, and cycling. The town is also known for its high-quality gastronomic tradition, and the entire area—from Palestrina with the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia to Artena and Valmontone—offers bike enthusiasts a network of dirt roads and white roads rideable all year round. In this sense, the MTB Revolution is also a showcase for the region: those who arrive to race often discover trails they return to outside of race day.

When it takes place

Historically held in the height of summer, the organizers moved the event to late April: a decision rewarded by a significant surge in registrations, thanks to more favorable temperatures and better trail conditions compared to the July editions.