Greenway Voghera Varzi: On the Wheels of History

The ride follows the entire route of the Voghera–Varzi Greenway, crossing the territories of nine municipalities: Voghera, Codevilla, Retorbido, Rivanazzano Terme, Godiasco Salice Terme, Cecima, Ponte Nizza, Bagnaria and Varzi.

Stage by stage, the route takes cyclists through the landscapes and villages of the Oltrepò Pavese, along a safe, green cycling path created on the former railway line.

Exhibitions along the route: from railway history to the Greenway

What makes “On the Wheels of History” special is its historical and commemorative character.

At each rest stop, participants will be able to visit an exhibition dedicated to the historic electric Voghera–Varzi railway, which connected the two towns for decades and whose former route is now followed by the Greenway.

Another exhibition will focus on the present-day Voghera–Varzi Greenway, the cycling route created by transforming the former railway corridor.

It is a story told in two chapters: the past on the railway tracks and the present on two wheels, turning the entire route into a veritable open-air museum.

The historic cycling teams

The event also pays tribute to the area's long cycling tradition.

Throughout the day, the historic cycling teams that helped shape cycling in the Oltrepò Pavese will be remembered: Pedale Vogherese, Pedale Rivanazzanese, Pedale Godiaschese and Fiat Varzi. For generations, these clubs trained athletes and brought entire communities together along the Voghera–Varzi route.

Who organizes the event

“On the Wheels of History” is organised through a collaboration between Pedale Storico Vogherese, Pedale Godiaschese and Velo Plus Varzi.

The three cycling clubs have joined forces to organise an event that brings together different generations and preserves the sporting heritage of the Voghera–Varzi area.

An event for everyone who loves cycling

You do not need a vintage bicycle or an athlete's training routine to take part.

“On the Wheels of History” is open to everyone: families, cycle tourists and cycling enthusiasts of all levels who want to discover the Oltrepò Pavese by bike along a safe route rich in history.

It is an opportunity to explore the area on two wheels, rediscover the history of local cycling and enjoy a route that, stage after stage, tells more than a century of history on two wheels.

Programme

YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO RIDE JUST ONE SECTION OF THE ROUTE!

Join the event in the way that suits you best: you don't have to cycle the entire route!

A unique event, open to everyone.

What you will find along the route

6 refreshment points
Photo exhibitions dedicated to local cycling
The Voghera–Varzi Railway Museum in Ponte Nizza, with Luciano Bianchini
Four historic cycling clubs coming together: Pedale Vogherese with Marco Lo Giudice, Piero Provasi, Benedetto Rossi and Enrico Lombardo; G.C. Rivanazzanese with Gianpaolo Monastero, Giuseppe Montagna, Silvano Carlini and Aurelio Massone; Pedale Godiaschese with Gianni Daglia and Massimo Albini; and Velo Plus Varzi
A welcome in Varzi from President Santino Russo
“Le Signore in bicicletta” by La Clessidra, with Luisa Dosseni Spalla

Registration

Registration takes place directly at the starting points:

Voghera – Retorbido – Codevilla – Rivanazzano – Godiasco

Registration fee: €10
€5 for accompanied minors

Return journey is at your own discretion.

Departure times

9:00 – Everyone on their bikes in Voghera
9:30 – Codevilla
9:50 – Retorbido
10:30 – Rivanazzano
11:00 – Godiasco
11:45 – Ponte Nizza