Organizers of the Giro della Toscana and Coppa Sabatini announced Tuesday that they have submitted a bid to host the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in the Valdera region, located in the province of Pisa in Tuscany, Italy, from September 20 to 27, for all disciplines and categories. Unione Sicristica Pecciolese met with the UCI to negotiate the terms of hosting the eight-day event and confirmed that they intend to discuss the details of the route.

The UCI confirmed last week that the road world championships in Aigle Martigny, Switzerland, have been canceled due to government restrictions on rallies (COVID-19), but that they hope to find a new location in Europe for at least some of the races He clarified.

"With Switzerland's decision not to host the event, the 2020 World Cycling Road Race Championships are temporarily without a venue. The vast and verdant Valdera in Tuscany is also hoping to host the 2020 World Championships. [These include Peccioli, well known in cycling circles for hosting the annual Coppa Sabatini, and Pontedera, the traditional host of the Giro della Toscana. These are the classic routes used by the Challenge Alfredo Martini, organized by the Union Pecciolese Ciclistica.

The Giro della Toscana will be held on September 16, and the Gran Premio Città di Peccioli - Coppa Sabatini will be held on September 17. Organizers will announce the new routes and participating teams for the two events on September 3.

The Unione Sicilistica Pecciolese has confirmed its readiness to host all World Championship events, including the time trial in the Valdera region.

"We are very eager to come to the negotiating table with the International Cycling Union and the agencies concerned. Our territory offers many solutions regarding the route," Di Sandro said.

Peccioli Mayor Renzo Maccheroni said that the Valdera region is the perfect place to host an event of the size of the World Championships, as it has many hotels and facilities and can host many tourists. Transportation is also convenient, as there is an international airport in Pisa, a 20-minute drive from Peccioli and a 10-minute drive from Pontedera.

"Acceptance is guaranteed," Maccaroni said. The World Championships will also drive us to reach a new target: tourists who love the sea and the hills. Our Valdera, with its hills and works of art, is like a permanent postcard."

[16

Maccaroni confirmed that the Valdera location, particularly the Coppa Sabatini start area, could accommodate the logistical functions surrounding the World Championships, such as reception, secretariat, administrative offices, and press room.

Italy was one of the hardest hit areas during the coronavirus pandemic this spring, and Maccaroni said that hosting the World Championships would be an opportunity to bring international tourism back to the region.

"The coronavirus has increased the movement of cyclists in our region, which is also a reason to choose cycling as a means of communication.

"Switzerland's decision not to host the World Championships is a great opportunity to boost the region, and in 2021 we plan to showcase the region's artistic and commercial creations at major international trade fairs. The World Championships will help people from all continents understand who we are."