Polpenazze Wins Sixth Consecutive Palio delle Botti in Valtenesi
For the sixth year in a row, Polpenazze has claimed the Palio delle Botti, edging out the local challengers from Puegnago, followed by San Felice and Moniga. The race last evening, Sunday, was thrilling and exciting, largely due to the spirited sportsmanship displayed by the four Valtenesi teams, who showed a clear passion for this competition—certainly one of the more challenging among sporting events. Particularly at Puegnago, where the course was especially treacherous and “hard,” featuring a long downhill stretch where the barrels had to be controlled at high speed, followed by a steep, narrow ascent—the “face” climb—that leads to the municipal square and culminates in a final move toward the finish line placed opposite the parish church. Along the entire route, a crowd of spectators cheered on all participants equally.
Winners and Awards
In the end, the victory went to Polpenazze, as previously noted, which maintained the top position secured during the timed trials on Friday—valid for the Poole Position, similar to Formula One; with the other teams finishing in the order they started, behind them.
With this win, Polpenazze definitively claims the Palio, winning it for the second time, and will display the trophy alongside the previous one in the council chamber. The Lions Club Garda Valtenesi, which established this unique competition ten years ago, will be responsible for organizing another event for the next edition—the eleventh in the chronological sequence—scheduled to take place in San Felice del Benaco next summer.
Other Editions and Recognitions
It’s worth remembering that another Palio has also been permanently won by Puegnago, which has secured three editions; meanwhile, the first-ever victory in the Valtenesi Palio delle Botti was achieved by Manerba del Garda, marking the start, with its inaugural edition, of this event.
“My only regret,” stated the “father” of this Palio, Cosimo Porretti, “is the absence of some municipalities, despite the incentives that our Lions Club offers to encourage and support participation. We hope this is just a lull that will be overcome next year, for the eleventh edition, in San Felice del Benaco.”
Recognitions and Events
Finally, it is worth remembering the members of the team that also excelled at the recent international meeting in Buttrio (UD), overwhelmingly defeating all opponents to win the title: Roberto Tonoli, Patrik Ferrari, Elio Ferrari, Massimo Malacrida, and Luca Ribelli.
For the 25th Edition of the Fair, notable success was achieved across all sectors—from wines to extra virgin oils, honey, and a plentiful BBQ feast, up until supplies lasted, including grappa samples exhibited in the old cellars of Palazzo Tebaldini (which might become the future municipal headquarters), where the samples were in high demand: 269 grappa tasters participated in the Alambicco del Garda – 2nd Edition contest, organized by the ANAG di Brescia.
Much effort was also made by the jury, which had to choose the winner of the skewer contest among six participants; this was awarded to the farmhouse Trevisani from Puegnago.
