La Diabolica: A Tribute to Cycling Pioneers with 32% Inclines
La Diabolica, a multisport event celebrating the pioneering spirit of early 20th-century cycling, is set to take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Montemarzo, a picturesque district of Asti, Italy. The event pays homage to Giovanni Gerbi, the legendary “Red Devil,” and Luciano Cerrato, the long-time patron of the “Coppa Città di Asti.” (ladiabolica.it)
The Gerbido Impedalabile Challenge
A highlight of La Diabolica is the Gerbido Impedalabile, a 1.25 km climb with an average gradient of 16-18% and peaks reaching 32%. This historic ascent gained fame in 1931 when the 46-year-old Gerbi, in a bet with friends, successfully ascended the Gerbido without dismounting or standing on the pedals. To conquer this challenge, Gerbi equipped his bike with a smaller front wheel to prevent wheelies on the steepest sections and added bricks to the saddle to prevent the rear wheel from slipping on the gravel. (ladiabolica.it)
Event Schedule
-
Saturday, June 6, 2026: The festivities commence in Asti’s Piazza Cattedrale at 6:00 PM with race packet distribution, storytelling sessions on epic cycling feats, an outdoor dinner, and live music. (ladiabolica.it)
-
Sunday, June 7, 2026: The main event unfolds in Montemarzo’s Piazza Vigna. Activities include final registrations at 7:30 AM, the opening of the La Diabolica village, and staggered starts for the two cycling routes at 8:30 AM. A non-competitive walk begins at 9:15 AM, followed by the competitive Gerbido Impedalabile climb at 9:30 AM. Awards are presented at 11:30 AM, with a communal lunch at 12:30 PM. (ladiabolica.it)
Routes and Challenges
Participants can choose from various routes tailored to different skill levels:
-
Diavolo Rosso Gravel Loop: A mixed-terrain course that captures the adventurous essence of the event, traversing the scenic Asti hills. (ladiabolica.it)
-
Coppa Città di Asti Road Course: A road route that revisits the historic paths of the “Coppa Città di Asti,” a prestigious amateur classic held from 1927 to 2007, featuring notable winners like Glauco Servadei, Enrico Mollo, Giuseppe Palumbo, Franco Pellizotti, and Tony Martin. (ladiabolica.it)
-
Luciano Cerrato Cyclotourist Route: A road course designed for cycling tourists, honoring Luciano Cerrato’s legacy. (bikeitalia.it)
A Tribute to Giovanni Gerbi
Giovanni Gerbi, born on June 4, 1885, was a prominent figure in early 20th-century cycling. He began his racing career in 1900, securing third place in the Torino-Rivoli at just 15 years old. In 1901, he won ten of the thirteen races he entered. Known for his aggressive racing style, Gerbi often employed repeated sprints and long-distance breaks to outmaneuver competitors. He turned professional in 1903 and participated in the Tour de France, where he faced challenges from hostile crowds. In the Giro d’Italia, he achieved a third-place finish in 1911 and repeated this in the team edition the following year. Gerbi was particularly successful in one-day races, winning the inaugural Giro di Lombardia in 1905 with a 40-minute lead over the second-place finisher. He retired from racing in 1912 to open a bicycle repair and sales shop in Milan. (ladiabolica.it)
Event Details
-
Date: June 6-7, 2026
-
Location: Asti and Montemarzo, Piedmont, Italy
-
Registration and Information: For more details and to register, visit the official La Diabolica website. (ladiabolica.it)
La Diabolica offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and challenging terrains of Italian cycling, honoring the legacy of its pioneers while providing a platform for contemporary enthusiasts to test their limits.