First time’s a charm! The Cinque Terre Passion Ride triumphs over the bad weather.

Paolo Bettini and Silvia Parietti lead the group in La Spezia as sports and the local area shine in the first installment of a highly anticipated event.
The first edition of the Cinque Terre Passion Ride, the event that brought elite cycling to the heart of the Ligurian Riviera, concluded to a round of applause. Despite uncertain weather, the event was an extraordinary success in terms of participation and engagement.
La Spezia’s Councilor for Sports, Alberto Giarelli, was present at the start of the event and emphasized its strategic value for the city:
“As the municipal administration, we are very pleased that this event is taking place again. This is the first year following the inaugural year of a project that is visibly growing. Although the weather did not fully cooperate today, the beauty of this tourist cycling event remains undeniable; it is a fundamental opportunity for development and growth, bringing more and more people to discover not only the City of La Spezia, but the entire province and the wonders of our region as a whole.”
Leading the group along the winding roads overlooking the sea were two names that have made cycling history: two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Paolo Bettini and Italian champion Silvia Parietti. Their presence transformed a simple bike ride into an exclusive experience for all participants

Leading the group along the winding roads overlooking the sea were two legends of the sport: two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Paolo Bettini and Italian champion Silvia Parietti. Their presence transformed a simple bike ride into an exclusive experience for all participants, who were able to share the miles and stories with their idols. The city of La Spezia proved to be a perfect base of operations, welcoming cyclists with warmth and showcasing a region that, even under a leaden sky, never loses its unique charm. The event’s success was also the result of a well-oiled organizational machine, thanks above all to the invaluable collaboration with Velo Etruria. The synergy between local entities and the technical expertise of the Tuscan team allowed for the optimal management of every logistical aspect, ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
At the end of the ride, during the social gathering—naturally accompanied by freshly baked focaccia—Paolo Bettini, the two-time World Champion, emphasized the beauty of the experience: “It was a first “A truly special edition. Although the unpredictable weather put us to the test, the spirit of the Passion Ride came through even stronger. I had a blast: cycling through these places is a feast for the eyes, but it was the combination of the region’s delicious food and the warmth of the people that made everything perfect. La Spezia and the Cinque Terre are a paradise for anyone who loves cycling and wants to feel good.”
Silvia Parietti also expressed her satisfaction with the day, commenting: “Seeing such a united group despite the weather was proof that the Passion Ride project hit the mark. The collaboration with Velo Etruria was essential to ensuring the safety and smooth flow of a challenging route. I take with me the warmth of La Spezia and the wild beauty of this region: a blend of sport and hospitality that made this day unforgettable.”
As the curtain falls on the first edition, the date for the next event is already set. The Cinque Terre Passion Ride was created with the ambition of becoming a staple on the cycling tourism calendar, promoting slow, active, and high-quality tourism.