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Italy can do little wrong as a holiday destination in our eyes, so if you’re looking for a race/holiday combo then you might not need to look any further than Challenge Cesenatico, ticking all the boxes and more for a week of exploration, relaxation and exertion! Triathlon writer Liz Barrett is your guide to this exquisite race destination.
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Forget Rome, if la dolce vita is what you’re after then you need to make your way to Cesenatico, a little fishing village on the Adriatic coastline. Small in size but big in personality.
Yes, it offers a fantastic race-day experience, that comes as standard with the Challenge Family, but if you want more than a simple swim, bike, run then you really will be spoilt for choice in Cesenatico.
Breathtaking scenery, delicious local cuisine, historic architecture, a warm-hearted welcome, the Italian heartland of road racing, a wealth of outdoor activities… there really is something to please everyone.
As for the racing, there is of course the main middle-distance event, but there’s also a sprint distance, a junior duathlon and swim/bike event to take your pick from.
Location - The Italian good life
Cesenatico is an artistic seaside town in the heart of the Romagna Riviera on the Adriatic coastline. Just 30km south of Ravenna, once the capital city of the Western Roman Empire, this picturesque area of Italy promises a taste of the good life set against a magnificent backdrop.
And at just over an hour by car from Bologna airport, a unique racing experience is within easy reach.
Why race... Challenge Cesenatico
Here’s why you should be adding Challenge Cesenatico to your race calendar:
Course - A little bit of everything
From the unpredictable challenge of a sea swim, to a scenic, hilly bike course through some of Italy’s most spectacular countryside, to the final, flat promenade run and a throng of cheering supporters, Cesenatico has something to meet every challenge and awaken every sense.
Swim - 1.9km
The Adriatic sea swim starts from the beach in front of the Colonia AGIP building on via Carducci 181. For age-groupers, it’s a rolling start into one single lap of 1.9km.
BIke - 90km
After attacking the first few pedal strokes, there’s a stretch of about 10km entirely on the flat, which will bring you to Cesena where you need to then attack a 35km loop, twice. The loop will be the hilliest and roughest part of the course. Once completed, it’s back on the 10km flat section that will take you back to T2 in Cesenatico, passing through Gambettola and Gatteo.
Run - 21km
The final run is on a completely flat multi-lap course along the Cesenatico seafront, which will be packed to the gills with cheering spectators. From there it’s on to the finish line in the beautiful Levante Park.
Race training & prep
First of all, you’ll need to acclimate to sea swimming to get comfortable with the many and varied conditions it can throw at you. It’s also worth incorporating some hill workouts into your cycling schedule so you can enjoy those beautiful hills of Romagna.
Temperatures in May average around 17.5°C, so plan your gear and hydration accordingly.
Before race day, you can of course take to the actual course. There are also local swimming pools, coastal roads for cycling, and parks or promenades for running in Cesenatico.
Travel & accommodation
To take the stress out of finding a hotel for your trip, Arcadia Tour Operator is the event’s official partner for race-week accommodation.
Getting around Cesenatico couldn’t be easier thanks to its fantastic public bus service and bike rental facilities. Keep an eye on the official website for any event-specific transport arrangements. Details on shuttles to, or parking at, the race venue will also be provided closer to the event date.
Spectators - Best places for your support crew to watch the race
If you have friends and family in tow, here’s where to position them along the course to maximise their support and give you that extra push you need to the finish line:
Swim: Along the beachfront near the swim start
Bike: Key intersections and designated spectator zones.
Run: Areas near the transition zone and finish line.
And what’s great is that for spectators everything is reachable by foot. So there’s really no excuse if they miss you out on the course!
If you have children or other adults in your cheerleading committee who don’t want to miss out on all the multisporting fun, then there’s also a sprint triathlon and a junior duathlon on Saturday the 10th of May, and a swim/bike event that starts just after the middle-distance event on the Sunday.
Race-cation - a treat for the mind, body and soul
Whether you’re travelling with your family, in a couple or on your own, there’s a wealth of experiences to explore in picture-perfect Cesenatico.
First off, don’t miss the captivating Porto Canale – designed by Leonardo da Vinci no less – where a row of old, unfurled sails separates the city in two and runs all the way to the open sea. The fishing village itself is dotted with colourful houses, mirroring the warm welcome you’re bound to receive from their inhabitants.
If you crave a bit more culture be sure to take some time to explore the Maritime Museum where you’ll discover the town’s rich seafaring history. There’s also no better way to get a taste of Romagna’s long maritime and gastronomic culture than by savouring the local fresh seafood and wines.
There are several beaches on offer with plenty of activities to keep all the family entertained, and if you want to extend your trip even further then there really is no better place for a cycling holiday than Cesenatico – the city of Marco Pantani, the Nove Colli, and where the Giro d’Italia has stopped for more than 80 years.
Join us on 11 May, 2025, for Challenge Cesenatico. Swim 1.9km in the Adriatic Sea, bike 90km through Emilia-Romagna’s picturesque landscapes, and run 21.1km along the charming streets of Cesenatico. Secure your spot today!
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