In the days leading up to the Tour de France the Becycle expo will be held at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence. The event, organised by Pitti Immagine, will be a showcase of cycling with exhibitors ranging from bike brands to component makers and Italian tourism destinations.

– By Rob Arnold

From 26-28 June the Becycle expo in Florence will celebrate ‘Cycling culture, industry… and passion’. That’s the quick overview of an event which is part of the TDF’s first Grand Départ in Italy. Located at the Stazione Leopolda close to the race HQ exhibitors include some of cycling’s most famous brand names including Colnago, Cervélo and Campagnolo as well as cycling holiday destinations around Italy.

Organised to coincide with the start of the 111th Tour de France it’s an opportunity for regions in Italy to explain the cycling culture that exists in a country that has a long, colourful history with cycling.

Bike riding and tourism is a natural fit, especially in Italy where cyclists can explore stunning locations while enjoying the hospitality of regions that have made cyclo-tourism a highlight of marketing campaigns. Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.… these are names many cyclists are familiar with and visitors to Becycle can learn why they are great places to ride.

Throw a dart at a map of Italy and you’ll likely find a great place to ride. Lago d’Iseo was one spot I went riding during my travels last week; it was a random selection and an absolute treat for cycling!

The race is sure to bring in a big crowd of enthusiasts and casual cycling pundits alike and the Becycle expo adds something extra for those who are visiting Florence to see the TDF.

The event is “about the world of cycling” so if you happen to be in Italy for the start of the Tour be sure to pay a visit to Stazione Leopolda to find out more.

According to the event promoters, Becycle will “showcase the most beautiful cycling tourism routes”. There will also be a range of presentations with tourism and cycling industry experts.

There is a long list of speakers as well as planned on-stage interviews with the likes of former world champions Paolo Bettini, Alessandro Ballan, Alessandra Cappellotto, Maurizio Fondriest and Australia’s Michael Rogers. Other speakers will include the winner of the 2014 Tour de France Vincenzo Nibali, developer of the SRM power meter Uli Schoberer, fashion designer Paul Smith, UAE Team Emirates CEO Mauro Gianetti and a host of others from the cycling realm.

Speakers at the Becycle event will include Michael Rogers (above) as well as two other former world champions, Paolo Bettini and Alessandra Cappellotto (below).

RIDE Media will be attending Becycle in the coming days. After two weeks in Italy and several fantastic adventures on the bike, I’m keen to find out more about the products and places that have helped make this activity a part of Italian culture.

This is the first time I’ve had an opportunity to explore Italy by bike and I already know it will not be the last. Several episodes of the #StoryOfMyRide series have already been filmed so stay tuned to RIDE Media’s YouTube channel to see some of the highlights of my Italian cycling experience.

 

– Rob