Two Volcano Sprint

From Vesuvius to Etna: the ultracycling challenge that defies volcanoes

The Two Volcano Sprint (2VS) is one of the most demanding and fascinating self-supported ultracycling events in Europe. Established in 2019, the race links the two volcanoes that symbolize Southern Italy—Vesuvius and Etna—in a single, grueling stage to be completed without any external support. The start is hosted by the town of Ercolano, at the foot of Vesuvius, in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania.

A challenge of over 1,200 kilometers

The route, mapped via GPX file and identical for all, spans approximately 1,200 kilometers with a total elevation gain of over 25,000 meters. From the Vesuvius coast, cyclists traverse the Amalfi Coast and Cilento, climb the Apennines between Basilicata and Calabria, skirt through Calabrian forests, and reach Eastern Sicily, where the final ascent leads to the slopes of Etna, in Nicolosi. It is a journey through national parks, mountain villages, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the South.

The rules: total self-sufficiency

• No support: every athlete carries their own equipment and is responsible for their own food, water, and rest, relying only on commercial services available along the route.
• Fixed route: participants must follow the official GPX track, with no shortcuts.
• Against the clock: cyclists ride day and night, managing their few hours of sleep autonomously.
• Categories: solo, pairs, and special categories.

An event with a sustainable soul

Conceived by cyclist Juliana Buhring—the first woman to cycle around the world and hold the corresponding Guinness World Record—alongside Vito and Carlo Cinque, the Two Volcano Sprint promotes cycle tourism and eco-sustainable travel in Southern Italy. The event is organized by the Davida ETS Association, a non-profit organization committed to environmental protection and community development in the South: a portion of the entry fees funds initiatives supporting the nature and territories traversed.

Ercolano, gateway to Vesuvius

Choosing Ercolano as the starting point is no coincidence: the city, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site and its proximity to the Vesuvius crater, perfectly embodies the spirit of the event. From here, at dawn, a caravan of cyclists from all over the world sets off, ready to test themselves on one of the toughest and most scenic routes in Italy.