For the seventh edition, Alta Via Stage Race will have an exceptional testimonial: Gaia Ravaioli, “star” of the Cross country Marathon and Endurance, thanks to a first-rate palmares, including two gold medals at the world championship in the Wembo 24h in 2017 and in 2019, in addition to a bronze in 2018 and a silver in 2015 and numerous other podiums, including a gold at the UCI Marathon Series Tiliment Marathon Bike 2019, a gold at the Pedalonga and a bronze at the Italian XCM championship in 2020.
Gaia Ravaioli will race with the Pink Race jersey against gender discrimination in sport
Gaia will wear the Pink Race jersey, the distinctive characteristic of a great social value project, which intends to send a message to the female world: the courage to follow their sporting passions, even in a sport such as mountain biking. Pedaling in pink along the Ligurian trails, Gaia will be the spokesperson for this message of courage and strength, paving the way for other women who have what it takes to participate in the Alta Via Stage Race.
“590 km / 22,700 m of difference in altitude / Liguria… As soon as I read these three things I couldn’t resist. I know some of the trails along which the race will pass: there will be no lack of technicality and it will be a hard race, but the exertion of each stage will be rewarded by sensational views and numerous and fun trails along the way. I can’t wait!”, declared Gaia Ravaioli after the officialisation of the partnership.
Testimonial of Pink Race will also be the veteran Ilda Pereira, portuguese, winner of the 2017 edition, trainer and international athlete who has distinguished herself for her ethical approach and the attention to protect the planet and animal welfare.
“After the inevitable stop of last year, the desire to make our race a unique experience on the national and international scene has grown in all of us organisers of the Alta Via Stage Race: in this sense the presence of Gaia Ravaioli as testimonial of Pink Race, close Ilda Pereira, make us so proud and encourage us to get better. To achieve important results in MTB, and in sport in general, women must put in play more resources and greater determination than men, because the sporting environment is still conditioned by discrimination, stereotypes and prejudices. With the Pink Race project we want to launch a message of equality: Gaia and Ilda will race not ony to win, but also to promote gender equality in sport.”, declared Vanessa Chiesa, founder and project manager of the race.