Suzuki Bike Day 2024: a day of passion for cycling

A day dedicated to cycling enthusiasts and amateurs, on the roads of the 2020 World Championship and the second stage of the Tour de France next July. And the Suzuki Bike Day 2024, the event now in its fourth edition, with departure and arrival at the Imola Autodrome. The event will take place next Saturday June 8, for a route of 53,5 kilometres, in which everyone can participate, with any type of bike, including electric ones, and at any age.

“A large 'cycle path' organized by a house that sells cars and motorbikes – the words of Massimo Nalli, President of Suzuki Italy – The concept is simple, we are always the same, those who drive the car, ride a bike and are pedestrians. There is no dualism between those who use the road with one means or another. Why shouldn't a car manufacturer give an iconic road to bicycle enthusiasts?” And so the birth of this event, which is becoming increasingly successful.

The 2024 edition

The first edition of 2021, in fact, saw the participation of 480 members, rising to 1.800 in 2022 and 2.700 last year. “The Imola racetrack is becoming increasingly multifunctional – the words of Giancarlo Minardi – This year I think we will beat this record. The Tour and the Giro women will pass on the same roads, we are increasingly combining cycle tourism with motorsport". Departure is scheduled between 8.30 and 9 am, with an expected end around 12.30. A morning of sport.

As we said, they are 53,5 kilometers of the event, with a mix of climbs and descents on the characteristic hills of Romagna, with maximum gradients of 16% and a difference in altitude of 930 metres. A double ring will be covered, which half corresponds to the second stage of the Tour de France 2024 which, for the first time, will see the start in Italy. With many champions and exes from the past: from Davide Cassani to Filippo Baroncini, passing through Francesca Lollobrigida and Pietro Sighel.

It is possible to register via the official website, with two fees registration: the standard one for 5 euros and the premium one for 20 euros, which also includes the exclusive technical jersey made by Alé Cycling and designed by the Suzuki Style Center, with Japanese ideograms to symbolize the wheels and the community. All proceeds from registrations will be donated to Dynamo Camp ETS, the association that supports the right to happiness of children with serious pathologies, completely free of charge.

An idea born between Suzuki and Davide Cassani

But how was Suzuki Bike Day born? It was an idea created by Suzuki and Davide Cassani. “An idea born 4 years ago, to dedicate a day to all those who have a passion for cycling – the words of the former cycling champion and coach of the Italian national team – Here Suzuki fits in perfectly, because cars race on the racetrack and motorbikes, but the 2020 cycling world championship was also held. And, this year, for the first time the Tour de France 2024 starts from this territory."

Massimo Nalli echoes him: “Our DNA is to do things that help people live better. One of these is helping people live their passions, such as cycling." But also supporting other sports, of which Suzuki is a sponsor of the federations: "Like those of ice, rugby, triathlon and sport fishing, as well as Turin football".