ISONZO GRAVEL RIDE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 6-7 September 2025 Gorizia/Nova Gorica 1st ISONZO GRAVEL RIDE GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INITIATIVE A 2-day gravel or mountain bike tour between Gorizia, Nova Gorica, the Vipacco Valley, the Isonzo Cycle Path and the Collio Goriziano.

In short, a real tour on two wheels among the most hidden wonders of Gorizia and neighbouring Slovenia.

The logistical and organisational base will be the Stella Mattutina gym located in the centre of Gorizia. Riders will take part in a 95 km (long route) and 40 km (short route) bike packing experience.

You can participate with a gravel bike, a classic mountain bike or an e-bike.

So the 1st ISONZO GRAVEL RIDE is open to everyone: to the most accomplished athletes, but also to nature lovers, wellness enthusiasts and those who enjoy healthy living.

E-bikes and gravel bikes can be owned by participants or rented directly on site.

But that's not all: during the two days, riders and their families will be offered guided tours of the cultural, historical, architectural and natural beauty of our area.

PROJECT AIMS The Gorizia area and the Collio Goriziano, located on the border between Italy and Slovenia, offer a rich combination of historical sites, breathtaking landscapes and agricultural traditions linked to viticulture.

Below are some suggestions for participants and accompanying persons for the Saturday before the race: 1. Historical sites: Gorizia Castle: One of the most beautiful and important castles in the region, dominating the city of Gorizia.

Its medieval structure and the various exhibitions housed inside make it a must-see.

From here, you can admire a panorama that stretches as far as Slovenia.

Corso Italia and Piazza della Vittoria: The historic centre of Gorizia, with its pedestrian streets, shops and historic cafés, is ideal for strolls to discover its architectural beauty.

Piazza della Vittoria is the beating heart of the city.

Palazzo Coronini Cronberg: A beautiful 18th-century palace housing a collection of art and period furniture, as well as a historic library. Oslavia Military Cemetery: A place of great historical significance, where Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War are laid to rest.

The Collio Goriziano is famous for its vineyards and the hills that separate Italy from Slovenia.

This area is known for producing fine wines, particularly whites such as Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc and Ribolla Gialla. 2.

Guided tours of farms: Azienda Agricola Magnas: One of the most renowned wineries in Collio, famous for the quality of its wines and the care taken in selecting its grapes.

They offer guided tours of the winery and tastings of their best wines, including whites and Friulano.

Azienda Agricola Kante: Famous for its organic wine production, Kante offers a unique experience with visits to the winery and tastings that tell the story and philosophy of the winemaker.

The view you can enjoy during the visit is spectacular.

Azienda Agricola Jermann: A historic winery in Collio, producing some of Friuli's most highly regarded wines. Guided tours allow you to learn about the history of the Jermann family and explore winemaking techniques, with tastings in a welcoming environment. 3.

Museo della Grande Guerra di Gorizia: An interesting museum exploring the historical events of the First World War through photographs, artefacts and documents.

Monte Calvario: A mountain offering splendid views of the city of Gorizia and the surrounding valleys.

There are also some historical buildings, including a church dedicated to the Madonna.

In addition to the above, during the race, the innovative ‘COLLIO XR’ app will allow companions and friends of competitors to experience the Collio virtually, on an exciting journey through different centuries and eras.

TOOLS USED An innovative synergy between different players who care about promoting tourism in our area.

This has led to collaboration with Asd Corallo, Area12 press agency, Studio3natura for guided nature tours, Agenzia Fagotour for E-bike and Gravel rental, and the various municipalities (Italian and Slovenian) crossed by the Tour.

EXPECTED RESULTS We look forward to an enthusiastic response from cycling enthusiasts from Italy and abroad.

We know that demand for events such as the ISONZO GRAVEL RIDE is constantly growing, as is the desire to discover new places that have not yet been touched by mass tourism.

We therefore expect many participants and, above all, great visibility for the sporting event itself and for our entire region.