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Velo Veneto is the only true bike racing camp in Europe and has been since 1986.
The 2008 season will be our 22nd year in business. Bike racing is more popular and
highly developed in Italy than in any other country and is an important part of
Italian culture. Most of the major Italian pro races and tours go through the
Veneto region where our camp is located. As pasta and wine are part of the Italian
tradition, so is cycling. Amateur races are an integral part of nearly every town
or village celebration and from March to October, there are literally hundreds of
races to choose from in the Veneto region alone. There are more licensed racers in
the Veneto than any other region of Italy!
Racing is highly competitive in all categories. In Italy you race in age graded
fields: 15-18 are called Debuttante, 19-27 are Cadetti, 28-32 Juniors, 33-39
Seniors, 40-47 Veterani, 48-55 Gentlemen, 56-62 Super Gentlemen-A and 63-70 Super
Gentlemen-B. Women often race with the Super Gentlemen. The races are very
agressive and fast and fields often have more than 100 riders. Courses are usually
5-15 km circuits. Most races are held on weekends with occasional weekday evening
criterium style events called notturne.
To race in Italy, you need an Italian U.D.A.C.E. federation license. As a
federation member team, Velo Veneto will license you to race. The license costs
about $60. Race entry fees are usually about $12.
Velo Veneto has helped hundreds of cyclists take their training and racing to a
higher level over the past 21 years. We are sure you will have a unique and
rewarding cycling experience that you can't find anywhere else. Come join us June
through August 2008.
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