Brescia Province Eyes Velodrome to Boost Cycling and Tourism
A velodrome for the province of Brescia? Ready! The mayors of Lower Garda, seizing the opportunity given the confirmed availability from the provincial Sports Councilor, Alessandro Sala, declare themselves willing to host the facility that could lead our province to a resurgence in this important and beautiful sport, widely loved, known, and practiced around the world.
An immediate opinion and willingness from all the mayors of the municipalities between Salò and Padenghe, currently only verbally confirmed on behalf of all colleagues by the mayor of Manerba, Isidoro Bertini. The location? Possibly the most suitable spot, i.e., on that green island created in the area of the former quarries in Campagnola di Manerba del Garda, now in advanced recovery, right at the boundary with the municipalities of Puegnago and San Felice.
Sports history and potential development
It is well known that many national and international cycling champions have chosen the Valtenesi region both as a winter training ground and later as a residence. It is also recognized how Valtenesi has historically embraced this sport, hosting both local and international cycling events and races.
In just a few days, the legendary San Geo race will return, an international event starting from the hamlet of Montinelle in Manerba. Historically, besides numerous editions of the San Geo, the roads of Valtenesi have hosted major events such as the “Ruota d’Oro,” the “Trofeo Baracchi,” and a stage of the CT Martini selection for the World Championships.
Virtually all top cycling champions have ridden on these roads at least once. From these passions and this history, the idea and ambition to construct a velodrome naturally arise as a feasible project.
Economic benefits and tourism opportunities
Of course, this would be a further step towards extending the tourist season, with significant economic benefits for the tourism and hospitality sectors not only in Valtenesi but throughout central and southern Garda. If, as mentioned a few days ago in these columns, convegning (conference) seasons are added, prospects for a major boost in tourism—outdoor, holiday, and conference tourism—become very promising, likely leading to a positive economic turnaround for the entire Garda region.
Am I dreaming too big? — admits Bertini himself — But we have the opportunity to realize the velodrome on Garda. The area is available, the municipality supports the initiative, and several towns are involved. Soon, we will present a document in the province signed by the municipalities around the lower lake, stretching from Salò to Padenghe.
If the political will from the grassroots level is taken into account, I believe — concludes Mayor Bertini — that the project can be realized, considering that the Province has allocated a substantial sum in its budget for the construction of this sports and tourist facility, which could be very important for Garda and for promoting the low season.
Conclusions and future prospects
Will this be a new boost for the Valtenesi area? “Not just a boost, because this type of intervention has a much broader significance: it would revitalize Garda Brescia and, more specifically, the entire stretch of the lower lake area. Furthermore, with the Tormini bypass soon completed, the Garda Velodrome could be reached from the city center in about thirty minutes, without difficulty.”
Thus, another step towards extending the tourist season? “If this policy is what we want to pursue, the construction of the velodrome could definitely align with this goal.”
