GAVORRANO, Italy — The town of Gavorrano welcomed firefighters from across Italy today for the Italian Fire Brigade Mountain Bike Championship, held in memory of two beloved local firefighters, Andrea Nencini and Marino Giannini.
The championship took place in Grilli, a scenic village in the municipality of Gavorrano, and was organized by the Provincial Command of the Grosseto Fire Department. The event was officially approved by the Office for Sports Activities of the Department of Firefighters, Public Rescue, and Civil Defense, and was supported by both the Province of Grosseto and the Municipality of Gavorrano.
This year’s race paid tribute to Nencini and Giannini, two dedicated members of the Grosseto Fire Department’s “Massimo Boni” sports group. Nencini stood out for his remarkable achievements in cycling, winning multiple national titles and being crowned world champion in Montefiascone. Giannini, a respected team leader, was known for his longstanding commitment to the brigade and its sports initiatives.
The competition route weaved through the rolling hills of the Grilli area, offering a challenging course for all riders. The race officially began at 9:30 a.m. and saw participation from approximately 70 athletes representing fire departments across the country. Licensed cyclists affiliated with sports organizations were also allowed to compete.
The day’s schedule began with bib and race kit distribution at the Pro Loco Grilli from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., followed by a technical briefing at 9:15 a.m. and the race start at 9:30 a.m. While the competition unfolded, the National Association of Volunteer Firefighters (ANVVF) hosted a children’s event, “Pompieropoli,” starting at 10:00 a.m., offering fun activities and educational displays for families.
An awards ceremony and lunch followed the race, bringing together athletes, organizers, and supporters to celebrate both the competition and the memories of two dedicated firefighters.
Competitors were divided into various age categories ranging from 19 years old to over 60, with a separate classification for female participants. The event highlighted not only the athleticism of Italy’s fire brigade but also their unity and commitment to honoring those who have served with distinction.