Verona Hosts 2004 Cycling Championships Prep and Infrastructure Updates
The world cycling championships have just concluded in Portugal, and the Veronese side of the lake is already looking ahead to the 2004 world event. The time trials will be held on Garda, starting from Bardolino: 150 meters through the historic center, then off into the inland hills. A continuous ups and downs among olive groves and vineyards. The routes will vary. For example, the junior women will race on a 16-kilometer loop passing through Cavaion, Calmasino, Lazise, and Cisano. Both juniors and women will compete on a 25-kilometer course (the larger loop also includes Ronchi and Pastrengo). The amateurs, called Under 23, will race over 36 kilometers: from Bardolino to Garda, Costermano, Caprino, Rivoli, Sega, Campara, Lazise, Cisano, and back to Bardolino. The professionals will cover fifty kilometers, with a detour between Campara and Lazise through Pastrengo, Sandrà, Colà, and Pacengo.
Organization and course details
The organizers, led by Teofilo Sanson, who became famous for his gelato shops, have utilized the charm of the Torricelle circuit (in Verona, where the road race events will take place) and, most importantly, of the lake, which for years has attracted thousands of cycling enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the municipality of Castelnuovo has approved the construction of a coastal cycling and pedestrian path within its territory: this section will complete the connection from Sirmione to Peschiera and Lazise.
“The idea,” declared Mayor Ferdinando Emanuelli, “originated in 1996. Initially, about 5,000 square meters were allocated to create a beach area with a swimming pool and bar. Later, we thought of further beautification. Thus, the project for the lakeside pedestrian path was developed. The works, which will begin in the coming weeks and should be completed by spring, include lighting and paving. Cost: nearly 800 million lire.”
Updates and roadwork on the Gardesana Road
Another update: “We are creating a dock for boat access right at the end of the promenade. This will allow tourists to also reach Gardaland without congesting the theme park’s parking lots.” Meanwhile, the construction work on the Gardesana road in Torri has been delayed. No company submitted a bid in the public tender.
Therefore, the City Council has decided to increase the starting bid from 3.4 billion to 4 billion lire, hoping the higher amount will attract more interest. After the European call for tenders was issued, it was expected that work could begin in early November. However, no one showed up for the bid.
It is likely that the financial estimates were too optimistic. “The local companies committed themselves elsewhere,” said Mayor Alberto Vedovelli and delegate Alberto Tomei. “Moreover, most are small to medium-sized firms that lack the capacity and resources to undertake such a project.” Consequently, a new tender with increased figures has been published. If no further issues arise, the winning company could start in spring, with completion expected by the end of 2003.
