National Youth Cycling Meeting
The major national gathering for youth cycling in Viareggio
About Youth Meeting Viareggio
The youth cycling festival in Viareggio
Every year, at the start of summer, Viareggio becomes the Italian capital of youth cycling for four days. The National Youth Team Meeting is the most important event of the season organized by the Italian Cycling Federation for the 'Giovanissimi' category: a grand festival that draws approximately 1,500 children aged 7 to 12 to this Versilia city in the province of Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany, accompanied by coaches and families for a total of over 5,000 attendees.
The event, held in memory of Adriano Morelli, is organized by S.C. Corsanico on behalf of the FCI and is much more than a competition: it is an educational gathering where, as the Federation often emphasizes, the result is secondary to the experience, friendship, and the values of sport.
Parade, skill trials, and races
The program spans four days. It all begins with the spectacular opening ceremony: clubs parade along the streets of Viareggio in themed costumes and sets, in a burst of color that echoes the city's carnival tradition. This is followed by skill trials on road and off-road, the national final of the BICIMPARO educational project, and, over the weekend, the actual road and mountain bike races, punctuated by daily award ceremonies.
The event venues are spread throughout the city: the Cittadella del Carnevale for race pack collection, Via Zara for road trials, the Pineta di Ponente for off-road events, and the city squares for the award ceremonies.
A consolidated bond with Versilia
Viareggio hosts the Meeting for the second consecutive edition, confirming a strong bond between grassroots cycling and the Versilia city. The backdrop of the seafront, the pine forest, and the historic Cittadella del Carnevale frame an event that combines sport, tourism, and local tradition.
Who is it for?
- Families with children who love cycling
- Cycling clubs and coaches from all over Italy
- Fans of youth cycling and grassroots sports
- Tourists looking for a lively, free event on the Tuscan coast
The National Youth Meeting is a unique opportunity to discover Versilia through a sporting and family-oriented lens, immersed in the energy of thousands of young athletes pedaling for the pure joy of it.
Youth Meeting Viareggio — edition 2026
The 38th edition of the National Youth Team Meeting – Memorial Adriano Morelli returns to Viareggio from June 18 to 21, 2026, for the second consecutive time in the Versilia city. About 1,500 children aged 7 to 12, representing clubs from all over Italy, bring four days of sport and celebration to life. The 2026 opening parade features the theme "The Sea and its Creatures": fish, mermaids, jellyfish, pirates, and sea creatures come to life in the costumes and sets of the regional delegations.
Programme Youth Meeting Viareggio 2026
Thursday, June 18 — Welcome and opening ceremony
- 9:30-16:00 — Race pack collection (Cittadella del Carnevale)
- 17:00-20:00 — Opening ceremony and costume parade on the theme "The Sea and its Creatures"
Friday, June 19 — Skill trials
- 9:00-15:30 — Road skill trials (Via Zara)
- 9:00-16:30 — Off-road skill trials (Pineta di Ponente)
- 16:00-18:00 — National Final BICIMPARO – Kinder Joy of Moving
- 18:30-20:00 — Award ceremonies
Saturday, June 20 — Races
- 9:00-13:30 — Road and off-road (MTB) races
- 18:30-19:30 — Award ceremonies
Sunday, June 21 — Races and final awards
- 9:00-12:00 — Final road and off-road races
- 13:00-14:30 — Final award ceremony
Highlights Youth Meeting Viareggio 2026
- Opening parade themed "The Sea and its Creatures" with over 1,500 young athletes in costume
- National Final of the BICIMPARO – Kinder Joy of Moving educational project
- Road and mountain bike races for the youth category (7-12 years)
- Second consecutive edition hosted by Viareggio
Prices Youth Meeting Viareggio 2026
Practical information — Youth Meeting Viareggio
How to get there
Viareggio is easily accessible by train (Viareggio station on the Genoa-Pisa-Rome line) and by car via the A11 Firenze-Mare and A12 Genoa-Rosignano motorways (Viareggio exit). The nearest airport is Galileo Galilei in Pisa, about 25 km away.
Main venues
Cittadella del Carnevale (race pack collection, Via S. Maria Goretti), Via Zara (road trials), Pineta di Ponente (off-road trials). Award ceremonies take place in the city squares.
Admission and registration
Public access to the races and the parade is free. Club registration is handled through the official channels of the Italian Cycling Federation (federciclismo.it).
Tips
The city is very busy during the Meeting: it is advisable to book accommodation in advance and use public transport or park away from the race areas. Don't miss the opening parade, the true highlight of the event.
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Where does it take place — Youth Meeting Viareggio
Cittadella del Carnevale e lungomare di Viareggio
Cittadella del Carnevale, Via S. Maria Goretti 5, 55049 Viareggio