In the second stage the athletes will cover 67 kilometers with over 2,000-meter elevation gain. The third stage features a 48,3 km route with an elevation gain of 1,800 meters
Seulo (Italy), August 20th, 2024 – The southern slopes of the Gennargentu massif will be the stage of the Rally di Sardegna MTB stage-2, an international cycling race scheduled for August 28th-31st. On Friday, August 30th the race enters the territory of Seulo, an ancient region of the island, nestled between Barbagia and Ogliastra, with sections crossing into the territories of Sadali and Seui.
Riders will tackle a 67-kilometer route with a 2,300-meter elevation gain, with start and finish at the Seulo stadium. After just a few kilometers, the course features a long, technical descent leading towards the Flumendosa River. This section is characterized by rocky terrain and winding trails, demanding both skill and caution. From the Flumendosa valley, the route climbs one of the most challenging ascents of the stage: a 5 km climb with a 9% average gradient. This ascent leads to Sadali village, passing through mountainous landscapes adorned with small waterfalls and natural pools formed by the Flumendosa’s tributaries.
Action and adrenaline, moderate climbs, and descents characterize this section where cyclists will go through high-altitude pastures and rocky zones. The stage reaches its highest points near the peaks of Bruncu Su Standardu and Bruncu S’Iscova, showing spectacular views of the surrounding Gennargentu mountains.
The second stage route is a festival of forests, high-altitude pastures, and rocky peaks, set in a landscape rich in water, with the Flumendosa river and its tributaries forming enchanting waterfalls and natural pools. The untouched, lush nature of Seulo, heart of a land of rare beauty, known Worldwide and standing out as a Blue Zone due to the longevity of its inhabitants.
The third and final stage, spanning 48.3 km with a 1,800-meter elevation gain, brings participants back to the Aritzo region, a charming village in Barbagia that solidifies its status as a key location for the event, after the opening prologue. Here the most authentic and wild mountain overlooking the village will took the lion’s share. The stage opens with a 6-km climb, with the first two kilometers featuring a steady gradient exceeding 10%. The race continues at altitude towards the Rifugio Onistri where a descending trail leads to Santa Maria della Neve.
After passing the small church of Santa Maria della Neve, the route follows a track that largely traces the ancient path between Aritzo and Gadoni, skirting the latter village and descending into the valley. After crossing the Riu Malaci creek, the course goes up again for 17 km, alternating between challenging sections and gentler parts, including short descents. From the junction at Funtana Cungiada, at 1,400 meters above sea level, a wide descent begins, leading back to Aritzo. The final day will reach its climax with a celebration of the winners and all the participants, in the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, friendship, and hospitality.
Promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia – Department of Tourism, Crafts and Commerce, Rally di Sardegna MTB is organized by Wild Track, under the aegis of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and by the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) and the support and the patronage of the Municipalities of Aritzo, Desulo and Seulo. The event is also supported by Scott, Deriu Sport, Enervit, Playcar, USE and the media partner Corriere dello Sport.