Racing the Italy Divide
I am really excited to announce my first race of 2019 is, the Italy Divide. A 1150km solo and unsupported event, 85% off-road, from Napoli to Garda. I will be racing on a Fairlight Secan.
The race starts on the 25th April at 14:00, in Naples.
Tracking here: http://trackleaders.com/italydivide19
It was a cold December Sunday afternoon. I was recently back from a three hour training session, stretched out on the sofa, browsing www.bikepacking.com. Suddenly, there it was, a dream of a new adventure to banish the gloom of the boring winter day. I’d heard of Italy Divide. I knew that Transcontinental racer and 2nd place finisher in 2018, Matt Falconer had ridden it last year, and loved it. I was looking at the 2019 edition, laid out in front of me:
1200km, 15,000m elevation, 85% off road.
Starting in Napoli, heading north through the Appenines, the mountainous backbone of Italy, to finish at Lago di Garda having climbed the edge of the Dolomites.
Italy is one of my favourite places to ride. Every March, I love watching the World Tour one-day race ‘Strade Bianchi’ along those incredible white roads of Tuscany. I had even toured some of the route in August 2018. Late April was a perfect early-season event date. It was time for new adventures and challenges. Without hesitation, I entered.
I had no idea what I had let myself in for. For the first time ever, I would have to pick my bike up, put it on my back, and walk up steep goat tracks.
I am motivated by a new challenge outside of my comfort zone, going off tarmac, onto gravel and rock. I’ve experienced similar surfaces in short form in The Transcontinental Race No.3 and No.6, but this will be another level. I am going into the race with fair expectations, simply to finish. It’s a new experience for me, time to go back to the drawing board and learn how to race off-road.
The route for the Italy Divide is incredible, taking in 85% off road, only deviating onto tarmac infrequently. Meandering around the Tuscan Strade Bianche. The race promeses to be tough on the body and mind, with unrelenting short sharp climbs and bumpy roads. At 1150km long it’s going to be a sprint!
In August 2018 I toured a portion of the Italy Divide race route and fell in love. I knew there and then, tearing up and down the Tuscan trails I would have to return to race in 2019. I have always had an affinity for Italy, for beyond bicycles my loves are espresso and pizza. Pictured below are our touring rigs (Fairlight Secan) outside perhaps the best sandwich shop I’ve ever eaten, All’antico Vinaio, Firenze.
