The gravel race that ignites the Cingoli hills, third round of the Italian Gravel Rally Championship
For over three decades, the Rally Adriatico has been the benchmark event for gravel rallying in the Marche region. With its headquarters in Cingoli – the village known as the "Balcony of the Marche" for its panoramic position on the hills of the province of Macerata – the race unfolds along the white gravel roads that also cross the municipalities of Gagliole and San Severino Marche. It is one of the most challenging rounds of the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT), where driving on loose surfaces and reading the terrain make more of a difference than pure speed.
The Rally Adriatico course is famous for its special stages, carved out of winding white roads, capable of testing even the most experienced champions. Three different sections, repeated three times each, make up the nine special stages of the race, for a competitive total of almost 97 kilometers within an overall route of about 300 km. The treacherous surface, the dust kicked up by the cars, and the constant changes in rhythm make each edition a close contest until the final stage.
Over the years, the Rally Adriatico has attracted the most important names in national rallying and several international protagonists. Its position in the CIRT calendar often makes it decisive for the championship standings, with crews fighting for crucial points for the title race here. The event also hosts the race dedicated to historic cars and a round of the Coppa Rally di Zona, expanding the offerings for enthusiasts.
For an entire weekend, Cingoli transforms into the pulsating heart of Marche motorsport. The start ceremony on Viale Valentini, the checks, the shakedown, and the service park animate the village and draw spectators from all over the region to the edges of the special stages. An event that combines sporting passion with the discovery of the Marche's hilly territory, amidst suggestive panoramas and a motoring tradition.
The 33rd Rally Adriatico, organized by PRS Group, confirmed its reputation as a race of extremely high technical caliber. The competition was opened by Matteo Fontana from Como, who immediately took the lead after the first two stages, before going off the road on the challenging and new "Prati di Gagliole" special stage. The lead changed hands several times between Fontana, Ciuffi, and Battistolli, until the final victory of Tommaso Ciuffi and Antonio Cigni in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Completing the podium were Grossi-Cardinali and Bulacia-Del Cid Odriozola, also in Skodas. The event also hosted the Middle Adriatic Historic Rally and a round of the Zone 6 Rally Cup.
Municipalities involved: Cingoli, Gagliole, San Severino Marche.
The top-tier duel between Matteo Fontana, Tommaso Ciuffi, and Alberto Battistolli, decided only in the final stages. The spectacular and new "Prati di Gagliole" special stage, the longest on the route, used as the Power Stage. The final victory of Ciuffi-Cigni in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, with a podium entirely signed by Skoda.
Cingoli can be reached by car from the SS77 Val di Chienti (exit towards Tolentino or San Severino Marche) and from the provincial roads leading up to the village. The nearest train station is Castelplanio-Cupramontana or Tolentino, from which you can continue by car or bus.
The race usually takes place in May, with the weekend divided between Friday (reconnaissance and sporting checks), Saturday (technical checks, qualifying, shakedown, and start ceremony), and Sunday (special stages and awards ceremony).
To attend the special stages, it is important to consult the official timetables and road closure orders published by the Municipality and the organization in advance. Reach the spectator points well in advance and always follow the instructions of the safety personnel.
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Cingoli (quartier generale)
Viale Valentini, 62011 Cingoli