Pistaftest at Novo Mesto Pilot Site

January 2024

On December 30th 2023, our Pilot site in Novo Mesto hosed the 2nd Pistafest, a cycling event with international participation, organized by the Cycling Association “Sprint”.

With the support of the VARCITIES, amateur cyclists from Italy, Croatia and Slovenia were welcome at Novo Mesto Olympic Center, VARCITIES Pilot site in Novo Mesto, to take part in a racing cycling competition. The competition took place in three different disciplines (200 m sprint with a flying start, 1000 m time trial and 3000 m pursuit) and in three categories (men, men under 18 and women).

The organisers were particularly happe to see paracyclists from Italy responded to the invitation to the event, showing great coordination. Riding in a tandem is not easy either for the driver or for the visually impaired cyclist, it was an inspiring example for all present!

“We are happy that the Novo mesto Olympic Centre, even in such a specific sport as racing cycling, fulfils the mission of the VARCITIES project, to include all members of society”, said Peter Geršič, VARCITIES project manager in Novo Mesto. This time, both young cyclists, Slovenian female cyclist as well as Italian paracyclists showed the courage to ride on the Novo mesto oval and took advantage of the conditions offered by VARCITIES Pilot site in Novo mesto for increasing the health and well-being of citizens

Judging by the response and satisfaction of all participants, it is clear that racing cycling in Slovenia has a future even among recreational cyclists!!