Like an Italian film: Castelli and Deporvillage at the Giro d’Italia

Among the collaborative actions we can carry out with our partners, it’s certainly those involving the fans directly that inspire us the most. Having the chance to interact with the enthusiasts — the driving force behind our work — is a unique experience.

A few weeks ago, in collaboration with Deporvillage, we organised one of those special events: a weekend experience in the Italian region of Tuscany, capped off by attendance at the finish of stage 9 of the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia in Siena. Days filled with laughter, product testing, gravel riding and pro racing in a setting of cypress trees, sterrato and fine food.

The adventure began with the group — made up of the lucky fans who won the competition and joined by content creators Óscar Pujol and Carlos Aizpún — meeting at Florence airport. From there, we hit the road to Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena), our base for the weekend. The first afternoon served as a warm-up: introductions, group bonding, and distribution of the Castelli kits we’d wear for the ride the next day. Oh, and a relaxed trail session to stretch the legs. Because life isn't all about cycling. Or is it?

The second day kicked off with a briefing on the details and features of the Espresso kits that each rider would wear for the day’s adventure: 60 kilometres and almost 1,000 metres of climbing on gravel, with start and finish in Colle di Val d’Elsa and passing through some of Tuscany’s most iconic villages, such as Monteriggioni and Castellina in Chianti. After the ride, a gelato and a stroll among the towers of the medieval town of San Gimignano marked the lead-up to the highlight of the experience.

Siena and its Piazza del Campo were the stage chosen by the Giro d’Italia organisers to host the finish of stage 9 of the 108th edition of the first Grand Tour of the season. The Castelli X Deporvillage group had the privilege of watching everything unfold — before, during and after — from a prime spot in the square.

The final result, known by all, marked the redemption of Wout Van Aert and the rise of Isaac Del Toro. But most importantly, it meant every participant in the experience went home with unforgettable memories.

It’s amazing to be part of something unique. If you're a retailer and reading this thinking you'd like to co-organise something similar, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Long live cycling.