Arms raised to the sky in victory – Tadej Pogačar’s triumph is the defining image of the 2022 edition of the Tre Valli Varesine. The Slovenian rider from UAE Team Emirates brought further prestige to the classic race organized by the Società Ciclistica Alfredo Binda, celebrating its 101st edition. On the podium alongside him were Colombian Sergio Higuita and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde. It was a Slovenian triumph after Alessandro De Marchi had sealed victory in the centenary edition, beating Davide Formolo and Tadej Pogačar.
In the last decade, the race’s roll of honor has been enriched with the names of major figures in international cycling, such as Primož Roglič (2019), Sonny Colbrelli (2016), and Vincenzo Nibali, who claimed victory in Varese wearing the Italian tricolor jersey in 2015. There is also the memory of Davide Rebellin, who won in 2011, repeating his success from 1998. The 2007 edition, however, is remembered as the year of the downpour. Those present on August 21 cannot forget that race — a competition held under relentless rain from start to finish, with only 19 riders making it to the finish line in Varese. Cristian Murro emerged victorious over Bertolini in that epic race.
Over the 102 editions held so far, only sixteen victories have gone to foreign riders. Giuseppe Saronni and Gianni Motta share the honor of being the most successful riders, with four wins each. The first edition of the “Circuito delle Tre Valli Varesine” took place on June 22, 1919. Pietro Bestetti covered the 100-kilometer course at an average speed of 32.6 km/h to claim the win. Ten years later, the Società Ciclistica Alfredo Binda was founded, and in 1929, it organized the Tre Valli Varesine for the first time as a race for professionals. Ambrogio Morelli took the win, with local rider Augusto Zanzi finishing fourth. Many “pedal strokes” have passed since then, but the charm of the race organized by the red-and-white club has remained unchanged.
Over the years, the Tre Valli has changed its route and start and finish locations many times. It has often ventured beyond the provincial capital, bringing excitement to other towns such as Angera, Busto Arsizio, Borgomanero, Sesto Calende, Luino, Cuvio, Cadrezzate, Cassinetta di Biandronno, Gallarate, Ispra, Lavena Ponte Tresa, Malnate, Besozzo, and Campione d’Italia. The race has reached the pinnacle of international cycling, with a roll of honor featuring prestigious names such as Bartali, Coppi, Leoni, Magni, Defilippis, Zilioli, Basso, Merckx, Moser, Bontempi, Ballerini, Ghirotto, Guidi, Rebellin, Celestino, Di Luca, Garzelli, up to Pogačar.
Sergio Gianoli
September 2024