Bugatti, Maserati, Jaguar, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo… These names conjure up memories of the heroic age of motor racing, when instead of electronics and aerodynamics, it was courage and daring that counted most. An era when the races were not only sporting events but also a social occasion. Such was the legendary Mille Miglia, the stage race that took place from the Twenties to the Fifties, which was the most popular motor race in our country, and its legend lives on to this day.

The Centomiglia sulla Strada del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is a classic car race held annually that follows in the footsteps of this historic race, along the fascinating and winding roads and climbs that lead from Valdobbiadene to Conegliano, the two capitals of Superiore. It retraces the route that in 1966 became Italy’s first wine road. This event blends sport, tourism, culture and landscape, and every year it attracts classic car enthusiasts from all over Italy and even from abroad. Now in its thirteenth edition, the event – scheduled for Friday 12 and Saturday 13 October 2018 – is a classic car journey through a unique landscape of hills, vineyards, historic villages and castles. The event is organized by the Associazione Strada del Prosecco and Consorzio Tutela Vino Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, with technical collaboration provided by the Serenissima Storico Club. As well as the race for classic cars, it includes a rich program of events, including enotourism and cultural events.

As in previous editions, a number of wineries will open their doors to welcome the prestigious cars, while local restaurateurs will be providing the best in local cuisine. In this edition it will also be possible to experience the Dama Castellana historicalcultural association that has its roots in the Italian Renaissance, and which will be entertaining visitors with an demonstration of flag-waving.

Finally, for art-lovers, there are also guided visits to the precious paintings of the XV-XII century on display in Conegliano Cathedral. As a taster of what to expect at the Centomiglia, there is also an event scheduled on Sunday 9 September with the 20th edition of the Circuito di Conegliano, a rally for classic cars organized by the Serenissima Storico Club as a re-enactment of one of the very first car races held in the Triveneto early last century.

Program

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12th

13.00-16.00 – Follina. Piazza Cavalieri del Tempio: meeting and display of classic cars. Corte di Palazzo Barberis (XVII century):welcome drink and delivery of race materials;

16-16,30 – Follina. Departure and Centomiglia 2018 prologue;

20.00 – Solighetto. Welcome dinner at Locanda da Lino.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13th

8.30 am – Valdobbiadene, cars gather near Piazza Marconi;

9.30 am – Valdobbiadene, departure of the first competitor;

12.30 pm – San Michele di Feletto. Buffet with typical products at Relais Cà Milone;

16.30-17.00 – Conegliano, via XX Settembre. Arrival of the cars, guided tour of the Sala dei Battuti in Conegliano Cathedral,

exhibition of the players, drums and flag-wavers of the Dama Castellana;

8.30 pm – Valdobbiadene. Final dinner with awards at the Casa Caldart Restaurant.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14th

10 am – visit to the historic Carpenè Malvolti winery, which this year celebrates 150 years (optional).

There are 6 time checks and some skill tests. The rules require the use of exclusively mechanical stopwatches.

[Ph. credits Francesca Bicelli. This article was originally published in the Visit Conegliano Valdobbiadene magazine, issue Autumn Winter 2018. The magazine is available here]