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5th Victory for Vesco and Guerini at Eco-Friendly Terre di Canossa


Andrea Vesco / Andrea Guerini, #6,1934 Fiat 508 S Balilla Sport

Andrea Vesco / Andrea Guerini, #6,1934 Fiat 508 S Balilla Sport

Mario Passanante / Anna Maria Pisciotta, #8, 1937 Fiat 508 C

Mario Passanante / Anna Maria Pisciotta, #8, 1937 Fiat 508 C

John and Chelly Houtkamp, #24, 1937 Aston Martin

John and Chelly Houtkamp, #24, 1937 Aston Martin

R. and S. Rossoni, #80, 1962 Porsche 356

R. and S. Rossoni, #80, 1962 Porsche 356

Martina Montalbano / Caterina Vagliani, #45, 1955 Fiat 1100-103

Martina Montalbano / Caterina Vagliani, #45, 1955 Fiat 1100-103

 

From April 20th and April 23rd 2017, the enchanting roads in Emilia, Liguria and Tuscany provided the setting for the 7th Gran Premio Terre di Canossa, along with its inimitable cocktail of sport, passion, tourism, culture, fine food and wine, and exclusive evening events -- and all of this eco-friendly.
The organisers worked the past 12 months to make sure this year’s challenge would be a top event, and the results of their efforts were plain for all to see: town squares packed with people, enthusiastic competitors, and gorgeous scenery on all 4 of the unforgettable competition days.

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The Challenge and the Podium

The challenge burst into life with 120 registered crews competing against each another in 90 timed trials. All the trials were technically challenging and covered all types of terrain: road and track, uphill and downhill, high-speed sections like those at Monte Marcello, other segments remarkable for their spectacular panorama like Monte Serra, and many memorable for their unique appeal, like the timed trials on the ancient walls at Lucca.

The challenges also included the “Forte dei Marmi Trophy” on the Piazza Marconi circuit and the “Tricolore – Cuervo y Sobrinos – Trophy” when the trials crossed the Calatrava bridges.

According to tradition, the awards ceremony was held in the celebrated Sala del Tricolore at Reggio Emilia, where the Italian national flag was officially declared in 1797.

The Winners

Dutch crew n. 24, John and Chelly Houtkamp, took third place in the final rankings in their splendid 1937 red Aston Martin. Second place went to crew n. 8, Mario Passanante and Anna Maria Pisciotta, in their 1937 Fiat 508 C, and the victory went to the current Italian champions for the fifth year running: Andrea Vesco and Andrea Guerini in a 1934 Fiat 508 S Balilla Sport. They took home two fabulous Cuervo y Sobrinos “Robusto Cronometa” watches and also won the cup reserved for pre-war cars.
The Loro Piana Classic Team came first in the team ranking.
The Coppa delle Dame women’s cup went to crew n. 45, Martina Montalbano and Caterina Vagliani, in a 1955 Fiat 1100-103, who took home two splendid “Caramelo” watches from the Cuervo y Sobrinos collection for women.

The ranking reserved for modern Ferraris saw crew 115, Enrico Zobele and Ivana Trentinaglia, coming first in a gorgeous Ferrari 488 Spider in a special version made to celebrate the Maranello manufacturer’s 70th anniversary.

The large number of foreign crews made the challenge to win the international cups even more thrilling. There was a heated challenge to win the two trophies for non-priority drivers, a characteristic of the Terre di Canossa challenge: The Forte dei Marmi Trophy was won by Dutch crew Houtkamp-Houtkamp, and the Tricolore - Cuervo y Sobrinos Trophy went to crew 80 Rossoni-Rossoni who took home two “Robusto Manjuari” watches offered by Cuervo y Sobrinos.

The special ranking for the average speed trials went to crew 20 Giacoppo-Grillone.
The Classic Car prize awarded to the most elegant car was assigned to the 1956 Maserati 200S driven by crew 53, Regis-Martin.

The Terre di Canossa Challenge in Numbers

  • 120 crews, with the event sold out two months before the last date for registrations
  • 14 countries represented, including many European countries as well as places further afield like the United States, Russia, Argentina, and Japan.
  • 27 car manufacturers present
  • 26 pre-war cars in the race
  • 78 women competing
  • 90 taxing time-trials covering a 640 km route: 89 timed-trials and 1 average time trial
  • 2 Trophies reserved for ‘non priority’ drivers
  • 350 people were involved in organising the various aspects of the challenge: from members of Scuderia Tricolore to the staff at Canossa Events, sports personnel, timekeepers, photographers, and the local Police force.
  • 6 splendid watches were offered by Cuervo y Sobrinos.

The 7th Edition in Detail

Art towns and cities, marvellous countryside, ancient castles, rolling hills and challenging mountain passes provided the backdrop for one of the top international classic car events. The challenge covered 640 km and had participants competing against one another in 90 testing timed trials. But the Terre di Canossa is not just a competition; it is primarily a winning combination of fantastic cars and gentlemen drivers from all around the world who come here to enjoy a unique Italian experience, combining the adrenalin rush of the competition with the delights of Italian food and wine, and the chance to explore the country en route. The fatigue at the wheel was abundantly compensated by the time set aside for more convivial moments. This year, the organisers had to bend the rule limiting the number of crews to 100 on more than one occasion, so that at least of few of the many applicants could take part.

111 classic cars were flanked by 7 modern Ferraris, led by a splendid "488 Spider 70esimo", one of just 70 special versions built by the Maranello manufacturer to celebrate its 70th anniversary. In net contrast with the oldest car in the challenge: a 1923 Bentley driven by British crew Collins-Steele. This all meant that 94 years of automotive history went on parade for the Terre di Canossa.

The current Italian champion, Andrea Vesco, was also competing in a Fiat 508S Balilla Sport, with his friend Andrea Guerini acting as co-pilot. Thirty teams were represented in the competition. Bergamo Corse was the most numerous with 14 crews at the starting line, followed by the Loro Piana Classic team with 8 crews, and the international Amici Senza Frontiere team with 7 crews.

As usual, there was an equal number of participants from Italy and abroad, from across Europe and further afield.

A ‘Technological’ Edition

This year, the Terre di Canossa was a pilot event for the project to re-launch the Racelink platform, the first satellite monitoring solution for road races, used at top events in this sector over the years and still considered the benchmark today.

"Keeping hold of our technological leadership is essential if we intend to continue offering our customers something new”, said Luigi Orlandini, founder and CEO of Canossa Events.  “This is why we decided it was time for a complete overhaul of the platform, once again conceived so it caters for the needs of our many customers from outside Italy who come here with their fabulous cars to take in the beauty of this wonderful country of ours. Another important aspect, and one that is always a major consideration for us, is safety: Racelink is a way for our Operations Room to constantly monitor the position of the cars driven by competitors and by service vehicles, drastically reducing the time needed to intervene and the precision of the assistance offered should the need arise. Like several years ago, the platform will once again be developed by Italian engineers, in Italy". Safety and innovation: Widely-debated issues that are one of the main strengths of Canossa Events and part of the company’s “DNA”.

A Challenge Dressed ‘In Pink’

One number is particularly striking: 33% of those taking part were women, without any need for a ‘women’s quota…. Terre di Canossa is a dream come true: a challenging race as well as a chance to see the sights, an opportunity enjoyed equally by the most determined drivers as well as those who want to treat themselves to an extra special vacation.

A Challenge Dressed in ‘Green’

The organisers once again confirmed their eco-friendly outlook by deciding to implement a CarbonZero protocol this year and so completely offset the residual emissions of CO2 by planting new trees in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The Terre di Canossa is once again the only “zero emissions” event of its kind.

The Route and the Programme

The extensive research and many visits on site, resulted in a new and varied route being marked out, including panoramic roads and every aspect of Italian countryside, from river plains to the coast, crossing rolling green hills and spectacular mountains.

The beauty of Italy is a backdrop that traditionally accompanies the splendid ‘masterpieces on four wheels’ of the Gran Premio Terre di Canossa.

Participants enjoyed starting out from Parma and the drive through Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa, passing over Lucca’s 16th century Walls, and parading in Piazza del Duomo at Pietrasanta, as well as the finishing point in the recently remodelled Piazza della Vittoria in Reggio Emilia.

The new element introduced this year also proved to be very popular: a comprehensive tour of the Gulf of Poets, from Portovenere to Lerici, Punta Bianca and finally Bocca di Magra.

Events Day by Day

Thursday 20th April: Arrival and Gala Evening
In gorgeous surroundings only to be found in certain parts of Italy, the seventh Gran Premio Terre di Canossa got off to a start with a gala evening held in the spectacular setting of Palazzo Ducale in Parma. Palazzo Ducale was built in 1561 and was once a residence of Duchess Marie Louise of Austria. This prestigious building is now home to the Provincial Section of the Carabinieri. According to tradition, diners enjoyed a menu designed by Michelin star chef, Massimo Spigaroli. Over 200 participants were welcomed in the majestic atrium of Palazzo Ducale with its grand staircase and even grander rooms; the Italian National Anthem by Mameli was played by the Musici di Parma string quartet, followed by the official welcome speeches given by the president of Scuderia Tricolore, Luigi Orlandini, and the many officials in attendance.

Friday 21st April, first leg: Parma, Portovenere, Lerici and Bocca di Magra.
At 9.30 am, the cars lined up under the bright-blue morning sky, amidst the lush green foliage in Parco Ducale, before setting off in the direction of the mountains, escorted as always by the Highway Police on motorbikes. An initial set of timed trials on the track at the Varano de’ Melegari circuit, before facing the first uphill parts of the route, taking the crews up to the Castle at Bardi, ahead of the stopover lovingly organised at Borgo Val di Taro. The numerous timed trials were tough but offset by the scenery made even more attractive by the early onset of a magnificent spring. The crews crossed the panoramic Passo di Cento Croci, before heading down to the coast at La Spezia. The breathtaking vision of the Gulf of Poets was ready to welcome competitors as they entered the enchanting coastal town of Portovenere, to enjoy lunch with a view of Palmaria island. In the background, the silhouettes of the magnificent classic cars on show, to the joy of the many tourists visiting the town.

A quick drive to Lerici for a few moments relaxing in one of the most beautiful, picture-postcard locations in Italy, and then it was time to set off for the last series of timed trials of the day, on the road from Monte Marcello to Punta Bianca, and then continuing down towards the small towns of Ameglia and Bocca di Magra.

Saturday 22nd April, second leg: Forte dei Marmi, Pisa, Lucca and Pietrasanta
On day two, participants set off from Forte dei Marmi, the favourite coastal resort of Gabriele D’Annunzio. Crews and cars lined up on the seafront before setting off for Pisa and entering the breathtaking Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the ‘Scuola Normale’ university. A quick look at the Leaning Tower, the symbol of the city, before tackling the climb up to Monte Serra, a road offering some fantastic views over the plains below. The day’s competition started with the tough series of ‘della Costanza’ linked trials, before taking on the even tougher challenge of Monte Serra. The bright blue spring sky accompanied the crews until they reached the ancient walls of the city of Lucca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed for the occasion into a perfect stage to put these competing ‘motorised works of art’ on display. After a relaxing lunch in the aristocratic setting of the Real Collegio, the cars fired up their engines again for a tour of the City and for the very demanding timed trials in the mountains in Garfagnana.

As evening approached, crowds gathered in Piazza del Duomo to welcome the Terre di Canossa crews to Pietrasanta, the city of artists.

The leg was rounded off with the timed trials for the Forte dei Marmi Trophy, reserved for non-priority crews and awarded to the team with the best time in the trials in Piazza Marconi.

The day's events came to a close with the most highly-awaited moment of the whole event:  the sunset ‘beach party’ with live music and champagne rounding off this moment of merriment. The most glamorous of rallies partying on the most glamorous of beaches.

Sunday 23rd April, third Leg: Forte dei Marmi, Apuan Alps, Carpineti, and Reggio Emilia
The third leg got off to a spectacular start with a “sea ride”, the pontoon at Forte dei Marmi, made accessible for the classic cars for the occasion. The route took the crews up towards the Apuan Alps, considered impervious and inaccessible mountains in the past but the perfect setting for this extremely competitive race today.

Competitors drove through the Cipollaio Tunnel, where the road winds its way past the spectacular marble quarries, before driving alongside the Isola Santa Lake and reaching Pradarena Pass,  the highest drivable pass in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Lunch was at Carpineti, where people in medieval costume greeted the crews with a warm welcome typical in these parts, recreating the atmosphere and the emotions of the era when Gran Countess Matilda of Canossa lived here. A symphony of roaring engines then wound their way past mountain ridges and plateaux, challenging the drivers in the last special trials.

According to tradition, the final part of the route crossed the Calatrava Bridges, the setting for the “Tricolore - Cuervo y Sobrinos Trophy”, the coveted final prize in the race.

The arrival at Reggio Emilia was in Piazza della Vittoria, recently reopened after a major remodelling project to give it new lustre, encased between the two theatres. Here, crowds of classic car enthusiasts watched the chequered flag come down, marking the moment when the competitors could finally relax and enjoy the last rays of the spring sunshine, as warm and welcoming as the people of Reggio themselves.

According to tradition, the awards ceremony was held in the Sala del Tricolore.

What People are Saying

“The Terre di Canossa has made its name as one of the top events in the calendar of major timed trials around the world, and an occasion for enthusiasts to get together”, said Luigi Orlandini, president of the Scuderia Tricolore team and the visionary founder of Canossa Events. “It’s a joy to hear participants saying: See you next time at Canossa!- (said with a smile, Editor’s note). Its success is mainly down to the heartfelt enthusiasm of all those taking part and the passion of a close-knit team of people who work for a full 12 months so that the next year’s event will be even better. In terms of hospitality, the Terre di Canossa is definitely the diamond in the calendar of timed trials. Our aim is to offer everyone taking part a challenging race in technical terms, as well as a memorable experience with exciting and enjoyable moments of hospitality, studying the optimum balance between the time set aside for the race and the time dedicated to more relaxing pastimes. Obviously, this is all made possible by the enthusiastic outlook of the crews, by our unique team and the support of our superb partners like Cuervo y Sobrinos. These are the ingredients that make the Terre di Canossa special, year after year”.

Acknowledgements

Speaking on behalf of all of those involved in the organisation of the event, president Luigi Orlandini would like to thank everyone who played a part in making this event such a huge success: the participants of course, followed by the towns and cities that welcomed the event, the CSAI Rally Officers, and everyone else involved, whatever part they played, as none of this would have been possible without their support.

Special thanks to the Parma Section of the Carabinieri, who opened the doors of Palazzo Ducale for us to host the gala evening. And last but not last, thanks to the Highway Police, whose help and support was acknowledged by the participants who saluted their police escort during the awards ceremony with a long ‘standing ovation’.

An international event like this is only made possible by the fundamental contribution of its sponsors, in particular Cuervo y Sobrinos. “I have always considered the Terre di Canossa to be one of the best timed trial races for classic cars, also as a participant, on account of the superb standards achieved by the organisers, among the best in the world in my opinion” – said Marzio Villa, Patron of Cuervo y Sobrinos – “This is why I thought being involved as the main sponsor was an ideal way to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Cuervo y Sobrinos, combining the competition with the international gathering of the brand’s many dealers from around the world. I think this is an excellent opportunity that blends our specialised skills as a watchmaker with the excellence of the world of classic cars, so close to ours in the exaltation of quality, the build, the image and unforgettable dreams that feed on all of this”.