Unknown “Velvet” Endpoint
A new exciting climb is set to refresh the undisputable prestige of the 37th Giro del Trentino. The Italian stage race (April 16th-19th, 2013) announced the uphill finish where the 2013 overall winner is likely to be appointed, on April 19th. After last year’s resounding success achieved by extreme Punta Veleno climb, GS Alto Garda organizers discovered another fascinating and relatively unknown ascent: the Sega di Ala (1220 mt. asl) will provide an exciting and unpredictable 11,5 km battlefield, with the uphill finish set in Malga Riondera closeness.
“We will host such a huge cycling event in our district for the very first time but we feel confident that it will be a very successful experience, not just for the very demanding course, but also for the beautiful landscapes all sport fans will enjoy by TV or live by the road”, Mayor of Ala Luigino Peroni said.
The final agreement was signed yesterday, in the presence of Sports Assessor of Ala Enrico Brusco, and Trento Province Tourism Assessor (and former Major of Ala) Tiziano Mellarini. “We’re used to giving beautiful cycling races as a gift here in Trentino – Mellarini commented –. I feel sure 2013 Giro del Trentino will not be an exception”.
Sega di Ala will be the second uphill finish of the 37th Giro del Trentino, along with Vetriolo Terme (April 17th), which will follow the opening day in Lienz, Austria, where a short road race will be raced in the morning, and a team time trial in the afternoon. Sega di Ala ascent (1069 mt gradient, 9,22% average) features 21 hairpins, starting from Sdruzzinà, a village on the left bank of Adige river. The first 6 km average a 10% gradient, peaking at 14-16%, then a number of hairpins will lead the riders over 800 mt. height, where the road will flatten a bit up to the end of a tunnel. The toughest 3 km start from here, with an average gradient of 11,5% with peaks over 20%. The final 3 km are way more affordable, up to the slightly sloping finishing straight.
Ahead of the pivotal final climb, the field will need to deal with another ascent, starting from Chizzola d’Ala towards Brentonico through Saccone and Prada, connecting with 12.5 km out of the 19,5 km of the next Giro d’Italia 17th stage, the uphill time trial from Mori to Polsa.
“We expect an intense final showdown –GS Alto Garda vicepresident Lina Ioppi predicted – to confirm our race at the highest international standard. We’re receiving many strong teams’ applications, it looks like a high-class line-up is taking shape, and that obviously makes us very happy.”
Known as “the velvet city”, Ala is distinguished by its downtown’s Baroque architecture. disclosing enchanting ‘700s atmospheres through courtyards, squares, lodges reliving silk
velvets producers’ golden age.
