by InTrieste
On the cobblestone streets of Scala Santa, participants from across Italy and beyond will soon take on one of the most extreme sporting challenges in Europe. The event is known as the Rampigada Santa, a time trial that has become a symbol of both physical endurance and sustainable urban mobility. Whether on foot or by bicycle, competitors face the daunting task of climbing a hill that stretches for 2,050 meters and boasts a grueling average slope of 16.2%. At its steepest, the incline reaches a staggering 21%.
Now in its 13th edition, the Rampigada Santa was first conceived by the Social Promotion Association SPIZ as a way to encourage more eco-friendly transportation. The message is simple, yet powerful: If you can conquer this punishing ascent on foot or by bike, you can traverse the city’s streets without a car. The event’s underlying philosophy aligns with the goals of SEM (European Mobility Week), an initiative aimed at promoting less polluting and more sustainable modes of transportation.
This year, the event will once again be co-organized with the Municipality of Trieste and supported by the Amateur Sports Association Mladina. Both groups have been working in tandem to raise awareness of the benefits of sustainable mobility, a cause that has gained increasing relevance as cities across the world seek to reduce their carbon footprints.
An Intense Test of Endurance
The challenge itself is as much a physical battle as it is a mental one. Scala Santa’s cobblestone surface provides little comfort for runners and cyclists alike, with an unrelenting slope that will test the limits of even the most seasoned athletes. Despite the difficulty, the event draws an enthusiastic crowd each year. Many participants return, eager to prove that they can once again conquer one of Trieste’s most infamous climbs.
For some, however, the Rampigada Santa is more than just a race; it is part of a larger competition. Athletes who participated in the 17th Clanfe Olympics earlier this summer are eligible to count their Rampigada Santa performance toward the 12th SPIZ Combined Event, a multi-sport competition that offers highly sought-after prizes sponsored by Laurenti Stigliani Jewelry. The combined event showcases the versatility of these athletes, who excel across a variety of sports.
From Sporting Challenge to Cultural Event
Since its inception, the Rampigada Santa has grown from a niche competition into a celebrated part of Trieste’s cultural calendar. Over the years, the event has become a platform for discussing the role of sustainable transportation in modern cities. It embodies a blend of sport, civic engagement, and environmental advocacy—three elements that are increasingly intertwined as the world grapples with the effects of climate change.
“We wanted to create something that was not just about racing, but about making a statement,” says a representative from SPIZ. “This hill is a metaphor. If we can make it up this hill without a car, we can change how we think about transportation.”
Participants and spectators alike are drawn to this unique event. Many come to watch, cheer on the athletes, and celebrate a growing movement toward greener cities. In previous years, the event has drawn attention not only from Italy but from sustainability advocates across Europe. Its message is clear: the future of mobility lies not in cars but in our own two feet—or wheels.
A Lasting Impact
The Rampigada Santa is more than just a race; it has inspired discussions, fostered community, and encouraged more conscious transportation choices. The event’s organizers have embraced the role of educators, using the challenge as a way to promote an alternative vision for urban life, one where cars are not the default and where human-powered transportation is celebrated.
As the event continues to grow, so too does its impact. With each passing year, it becomes more than just a sporting challenge—it becomes a call to action for more sustainable cities and a healthier planet.
For more information, visit SPIZ’s official website where you can find articles, videos, and insights from past editions.
Official Event Page: https://www.spiz.it/rampigada-santa/13-rampigada-santa-2024/
