The final weekend of 2025 is shaping up to be an absolute festival of endurance and excitement for Italian sports fans, with Campania’s roads bustling with runners and the cycling world’s rising stars making waves across Europe. As the year winds down, both the running and cycling communities are coming together for a series of events that promise not only fierce competition but also camaraderie, tradition, and a taste of what’s to come in the new year.
Running enthusiasts across Campania can look forward to four major road races, each a staple in the region’s sporting calendar. These events, spanning Avellino, Caserta, Naples, and Benevento, are set to attract athletes of all ages and skill levels—from ambitious juniors to seasoned masters. The action kicks off on December 28, 2025, with three simultaneous races: the V Gara Podistica di San Silvestro in Cesinali (Avellino), the II Edition of the Corsa del Club Vai in Santa Maria Capua Vetere (Caserta), and the Corri per Quarto in Quarto (Naples). Each of these races features a 9.9 km course, offering a challenging yet accessible distance for competitors from the Allievi, Juniores, Promesse, Master, and, in Quarto, Seniores categories.
For those seeking one last chance to lace up their running shoes before the year’s end, the calendar’s grand finale arrives on December 30 with the XIV Corsa per la Pace in Sant’Angelo a Cupolo, Benevento. Scheduled for a 3:00 pm start, this 9.9 km race welcomes athletes from all categories, providing a fitting close to Campania’s 2025 running season. The events’ inclusivity and festive spirit are a testament to the enduring passion for road running in the region. According to organizers, “Four events confirm the energy of running in Campania, uniting competitiveness, passion, and social interaction to bid farewell to 2025 with the rhythm of regional runners.”
Each race is steeped in tradition and community pride. The V Gara Podistica di San Silvestro, organized by Avellino Runner, is a beloved fixture for local athletes, drawing participants eager to end the year on a high note. Meanwhile, the Corsa del Club Vai—now in its second edition—invites runners to gather in Santa Maria Capua Vetere’s Piazza Mazzini at 8:30 am, setting the stage for a morning of spirited competition and celebration. The Corri per Quarto, run under the auspices of FIDAL, offers runners from Naples’ northern suburbs a chance to test themselves against peers and the clock, all while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the Neapolitan streets.
But it’s not just the runners who are making headlines this weekend. Across the border in Belgium, Italy’s junior cyclists are turning heads with standout performances on the international stage. On December 27, the trio of Azzetti, Bianchi, and Peruta were in the spotlight for their efforts in Zolder, with Sara Peruta—competing in her first year in the category—finishing an impressive 15th overall. Their achievements have not gone unnoticed: national coach Pontoni has called them up to represent Italy in the World Cup race at Dedemond, Belgium, on December 28. “The juniors Azzetti, Bianchi, and Peruta have been called up in the blue jersey for tomorrow’s World Cup event in Dedemond, always on Flemish soil,” noted the Italian cycling federation.
Elsewhere on the Belgian circuit, Nicolas Scalorbi, riding for Ale Colnago, bounced back from a tough debut to secure a strong fifth-place finish at Berbem. Meanwhile, in the high-profile Superprestige race at Gavere—dominated by world champion Van Der Poel—Italian champion Gioele Bertolini finished 27th, with under-23 rider Iader Zanolini breaking into the top ten of his category. In the women’s field, Rebecca Gariboldi claimed 27th place in a race won by the formidable Lucinda Brand, further underscoring the depth and resilience of Italy’s cycling talent.
These international outings are more than just a chance for Italian riders to test themselves against the world’s best—they’re a crucial part of the build-up to the Italian national championships, set for January 10-11, 2026, in Brugherio. As Eva Lechne, who closely follows the Italian contingent in Belgium and the Netherlands, observed, “The races in Belgium and the Netherlands will certainly help in finding the right condition for the Italian championships for all categories.”
Back on home soil, the Italian cycling calendar is just as packed. On December 27, youth racers took to the roads in San Colombano (Genova) and Prato, with teams like Ale Colnago and Spilla Team Spilamberto fielding promising young talents. The following day, Team Ale Colnago Modena is set to chase podium finishes in Scorzè (Venice) at the Trofeo Triveneto, with both junior and master riders in action. Not to be overlooked, the master categories will see Remo Bardelli and Davide Montanari (Spilla Team Spilamberto) joined by Stefano Nicoletti (M6) and vice world champion Giulia Ballestri (Beltrami), who is seen as a strong contender for top honors at the upcoming national championships.
With such a flurry of activity, it’s clear that Italian endurance sports are thriving at every level. Whether it’s the collective energy of Campania’s road races—where runners of all stripes come together to celebrate the year’s end—or the individual brilliance of cyclists making their mark abroad, the final days of 2025 are a showcase of determination, talent, and the unbreakable spirit of competition.
For fans and participants alike, the weekend offers a little bit of everything: the thrill of the chase, the joy of community, and the anticipation of what the new year will bring. As the runners set their sights on the finish line and the cyclists prepare for their next test on the world stage, one thing’s for sure—Italy’s sporting heartbeat is as strong as ever. And with the national championships on the horizon, the best may be yet to come.
