Just two days before the start of the race in Montalcino, the lineup of top runners is enriched, set to compete on Sunday, February 12th, across the three competitive distances: 45, 24, and 14 km.
On Saturday, February 11th, there will be a journey to discover the territory with “Visits to the wineries”.
Some statistics about the event: women make up 41% of the participants.
All the useful information for the runners: from bib collection to the pasta party.
MONTALCINO – The time has come to savor the 6th Brunello Crossing, taking place in Montalcino (SI) on Saturday, February 11th, and Sunday, February 12th. A weekend, organized by Asd Montalcino Trail with the support of the Municipal Administration and the Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino, full of events, with Saturday dedicated to exploring the territory and preparing for the race, and Sunday to the competitions.
There are three competitive distances, which will start from Piazza del Popolo, in the heart of Montalcino, on Sunday, February 12th: at 8:00 am, the 45km Banfi Trophy D+ 1,820m+, followed by the 24km Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Trophy 1,050m D+ at 10:00 am, and the 14km Barbi Trophy 634m D+ at 10:45 am. Also scheduled is the Brunello Crossing – Walk & Nordic Walking, a 13 km walk.
THE NUMBERS – Over 1,500 athletes and walkers will animate the four events of the 6th Brunello Crossing. In the ranking of provinces, Siena leads, followed by Rome and Florence, but all of Italy will be represented with participants from every region. Seventeen nations will be represented, with Romania, Germany, and the USA tied for first place, ahead of Finland, San Marino, and Belgium. Brazil leads the ranking of non-European countries.
Women make up 41% of the total registered participants. This percentage increases as the distance decreases: 14% in the 45 km race, 27% in the 24 km race, 35% in the 14 km race, and up to 63% in the walk.
The oldest participants are both born in 1945: Luciano Magi, who will run the 14 km race, and Maria Teresa Bertini, who will enjoy the 13 km walk. The event will also see the youngest participants: he was born in 2017, she in 2015.
TOP RUNNER – The 2022 Skyultra World Champion, Cristian Menoggio, will also be participating in the Brunello Crossing 45 km. It’s impossible to forget his world championship victory “at home” in Formazza, where he dominated the race from the first kilometers, shattering the dreams of glory of other skyrunners.
In Montalcino, Menoggio will be in good company. Several athletes have decided to join, all absolute protagonists of trail running, mountain running, and skyrunning.
Also competing in the 45 km race will be Davide Cheraz, winner of the previous edition, Andreas Reiterer, bronze medalist at the World Championships and Italian champion in long trail running in 2022, Simone Corsini, 5th at the Tor des Géants 330 km in 2021 and 1st at the Gran Trail di Courmayeur 100 km in 2022, Matteo Lucchese, who returns to Montalcino after dominating the 45 km race in 2018, and Roberto Gheduzzi, who extends the distance after winning last year’s Brunello Crossing 24 km. Also participating is Andrea Rota, born in 2000, who at the last World Mountain and Trail Running Championships held in Thailand last November, in his debut in the Senior category, achieved an excellent seventh place in the 38 km Short Trail.
Among the women, Julia Kessler, the fastest last year in Montalcino and Italian long trail champion in 2022, will find high-level opponents such as Marina Cugnetto, who boasts, among others, the third place at the UltraDolomites.
In the 24 km competition, all eyes will be on Giacomo Forconi, strong with several significant placements in 2022, including the victory at the Arezzo Wild Trail and the 5th place at the Lavaredo Ultratrail by UTMB – Cortina Trail, and on the Turin-based Camilla Magliano, third last year in the Montemuro Vertical, in Castro Daire in Portugal, valid as the second mountain running race.
LOGISTICAL INFO – Already starting tomorrow, Saturday, February 11th, the 6th Brunello Crossing will kick off with the opening of the Expo, located at the Sant’Agostino Museum Complex, at 2:00 PM. At 5:30 PM, inside the Teatro degli Astrusi, the briefing for the three competitive races will take place. On the day of the competition, participants can take advantage of the bag storage service (in Piazza del Popolo) and, after the race, of showers and changing rooms at the municipal stadium.
Bib pickup: Saturday February 11th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sunday 12th from 6:30 AM until half an hour before the race starts at the Expo (Sant’Agostino Museum Complex).
Brace Pasta Party: In the splendid cloister of Palazzo Pieri, the Brace Pasta Party will take place on Saturday, February 11th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, February 12th from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. There are two novelties: we return to the pre-pandemic tradition – so it will be possible to enjoy the moment sitting down and in company – and the grill, which will allow runners and their companions to taste freshly grilled Tuscan meats. Foods and dishes are also available for vegetarians and vegans. (Services map, HERE).
THE 13 KM WALK – Not only competition at the 6th Brunello Crossing. Also on the schedule is the Brunello Crossing – Walk & Nordic Walking, the 13 km walk starting from Torrenieri (a shuttle bus transfer from Montalcino to the starting point is provided for registered participants), always on Sunday, February 12th morning. Participants will be divided into three waves, the first of which is scheduled for 8:30 AM, the second at 10:00 AM, and the third at 10:30 AM. Bib pickup: Saturday, February 11th, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Expo (Sant’Agostino Museum Complex) and Sunday, February 12th, from 8:30 AM until half an hour before the start of your wave, at the old Torrenieri railway station.
AMONG THE BEAUTIES OF MONTALCINO – The Brunello Crossing is also a wonderful opportunity to explore the area. Starting from Montalcino, a jewel nestled between the Val d’Orcia (the Val d’Orcia Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2004) and the Ombrone Valley: it will be pleasant to wander through alleys and enchanting streets. Then continue the journey through the traditional food and wine traditions of the area, known and appreciated worldwide. Thanks to the staff of the Brunello Crossing, it will be possible to participate in “Visit the wineries“, sensory experiences made of the scents of local products such as saffron, honey, and cheeses from the local supply chain. (Info HERE).