The overnight stay at Milano Marittima was a short one and the caravan was on the move again at first light. The rain, which had been very testing for the crews, especially in Ferrara, had given way to hazy sunshine and was greeted with pleasure by the drivers and navigators. The second stage was long and demanding, leading to a turnaround point in Rome. The distance was not particularly long considering the number of hours at the wheel, but the average speeds set were low and the race passed through many town centers, where the competitors received an enthusiastic welcome from fans. Leaving the center of Milano Marittima behind, the route led across the Salina Park in Cervia before joining the Via Romea Sud, while the sun rose over the Adriatic and Cesenatico, Bellaria, Rimini, and Riccione slipped by along the coast.
At Pesaro, the changing of the guard between the Mille Miglia and Giro d'Italia
The caravan traveled from Gabicce Mare to Gabicce Monte, with a time trial on the Via Panoramica, followed by another at Casteldimezzo. The cars then crossed the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park to Pesaro, known as "Bicycle City" because of the vast network of cycle tracks that criss-cross the surrounding area. But this passion for two wheels shared space with cars, and the arrival of the "Red Arrow" was welcomed by a crowd in celebratory mood on Piazza del Popolo on a very special day for Pesaro: yesterday it also welcomed the passage of the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia, another event in which Alfa Romeo plays a major role.
It was almost lunchtime as the cars approached the streets of Arezzo, passing through Sansepolcro, famously known as the birthplace of Piero della Francesca. His wonderful works offer an admirable blend of art and geometry and seem to mediate between tradition and modernity. This alchemy is also very much present in the motoring world and the Mille Miglia is a fine example: along the 47 historic official and privately owned historic cars taking part, Alfa Romeo has also lined up the best of current production as Official Cars for the event. Watching the passage of the "Red Arrow" is, therefore, an ideal way of getting first-hand experience of the brand's DNA, steeped in history and competition and with the vigor of a legendary past. For an enthralling look back over the brand's successes 90 years after its first victory, the “Alfa Romeo: the Mille Miglia in 90 places" project is now online.
From small fortified towns to the Eternal City:
About Alfa Romeo:
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