by InTrieste
In the first weekend of April, the bustling streets of Trieste will once again resonate with the thunderous roar of engines as the prestigious “Waiting for… The Climb of Champions – Trieste Opicina” motorcade returns.
In a prequel edition reminiscent of bygone eras, this historical reenactment of the famed uphill car and motorcycle race, which captivated audiences from 1911 to 1971 along the picturesque route between Trieste’s heart and the Karst plateau, promises to transport enthusiasts back to the golden age of motorsport. Patrons will have the privilege of marveling at a dazzling array of racing legends from iconic marques such as Ferrari, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia, alongside nimble Fiat and Abarth compacts, and bespoke artisanal creations, including supercars.
Curated by the esteemed “Club dei Venti all’Ora – Trieste 1961” (a founding member of ASI) and the venerable “Motoclub Trieste 1906” (Italy’s oldest motorcycle association), this year’s event will feature a meticulously selected ensemble of 35 motorcycles and 35 automobiles gracing the thoroughfares and squares, setting the stage for the grand spectacle anticipated in 2025. Enthusiasts from across Europe await the revival of the historic Trieste-Opicina race route, now closed to the public, with over 150 drivers and riders primed to compete.
SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024:
- 2:00 PM: Arrival of participants in Trieste.
- Cultural Delights: Guests of the Trieste Municipality will enjoy a curated tour of the Salgado exhibition at the esteemed Salone degli Incanti.
- 5:30 PM: Limited-seating public symposium at the Auditorium of the Salone degli Incanti, moderated by esteemed journalist and author Danilo Castellarin, ASI Museums Commission President. Swiss rider Pellandini, now a leading advocate for road safety, will share insights alongside notable car drivers and Trieste native Fulvio Bacchelli, victor of the 1977 New Zealand Rally.
- Theme: Reflections on a century-spanning automotive odyssey that brought the spectacle of Monza and Le Mans to Trieste’s doorstep. The event will culminate in a discussion on sustainable motoring, spearheaded by the ASI Green Commission.
- 8:30 PM: Celebratory soirée at the historic Caffè San Marco in Trieste, marking its 110th anniversary, featuring the melodic stylings of award-winning bluesman Mike Sponza and his ensemble.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024:
- 10:00 AM: Public exhibition of vehicles in the iconic Piazza della Borsa.
- 11:45 AM: City circuit relay for vehicle transfer to the starting point.
- 12:00 PM: Municipal Police and Carabinieri-led parade through the city center, followed by the ascent along the historic race track to the finish line at the Obelisk.
- 1:00 PM: Warm welcome from the Opicina Community, commemorated with the unveiling of a totem dedicated to the Trieste-Opicina race route.
- 1:15 PM: Culinary farewell luncheon, bidding adieu until next year’s “Climb of Champions” in 2025, promising another exhilarating contest of elegance on closed city roads.
