Mito e velocità | Luoghi ed eventi sul Lago di Garda

the pleasure

of Garda

MYTH AND SPEED

POWERFUL EXPERIENCES AND ADRENALINE ON LAKE GARDA.

Lake Garda is the perfect destination for those who love to roam freely with the wind in their hair, passing from one landscape to the next.
Here, Myth and Speed have always been intertwined in a historical, sporting and cultural union.
While car engines roar around the lake, motors whiz through the air and sails flap in the wind: dive into our story to find out more.

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Sport

Myth & Speed

Roots

FROM HISTORY TO MYTH

Several motor races were launched in Brescia and Montichiari between the late 19th and the 20th centuries, but only one has become legendary: the Mille Miglia. Originating in 1927 as a speed race, over time it has become a global event. Even today it continues to thrill adults and children alike, with spectators of all ages lining up eagerly along the sides of the route to see the cars pass every year. The route goes from Brescia to Rome and back again, passing through the roads of Lake Garda along the way.
In 1926, Garda bore witness to Gabriele d'Annunzio's love of speed and cars; a love passionate enough to shape the Italian language. In a letter published in the Corriere della Sera newspaper, the famous Italian poet proclaimed that ‘the word automobile is feminine because it possesses the grace and vivacity of a seductress’. Today you can admire some of his cars in a special museum in the Vittoriale degli Italiani.
We can hardly talk about speed without mentioning aircraft. In the early 1900s, several competitions for these innovative modes of transport were born including one dedicated to seaplanes: the Schneider Cup. In 1934, one of the aviators who trained for this competition, Marshal Francesco Agello, won the absolute world speed record for seaplanes after he achieved an average speed of over 709 km/hour on the route from Manerba del Garda to Moniga del Garda. His victory became legendary, remaining unbeaten to this day: a reconstruction of the aircraft can be admired at Parco Idroscalo.

Water

IN THE WATER OR JUST ABOVE IT

Why not try rowing, putting power and technique to the test, or setting sail and seeking the perfect balance between wind and water? Just two different ways of experiencing the lake that bring excitement to participants and spectators alike. Both sports are part of the Lake Garda tradition: rowing schools and sailing clubs train and compete on our waters. The oldest of the regattas is the Centomiglia: since 1951, international crews have competed in Gargnano and all around the lake. ‘Flying’ boats first made an appearance a few years ago: the foil device attached to the keel of the boat allows it to glide above the surface of the water at increased speed.

Sport at it best

ELITE SPORT

Lake Garda boasts world-class sports facilities. From the go-kart track in Lonato del Garda, frequented by drivers from all nations and home to important national and international competitions. Nearby is the Trap Concaverde shooting range, which hosts world-class competitions and events organised by the Italian Paralympic Committee. The Montichiari Velodrome, where track-cycling champion Filippo Ganna trained to break the hour record, is recognised as an elite venue. And sweeping down from the green surroundings of the lake to its deep blue waters, we have the Garda Salò Rowing Club, where athletes train to compete in the most important competitions in the world.

LimoneXtreme

SKYRUNNING

Every October, Skyrunners from all over the world flock to Limone sul Garda to compete. Two races to take your breath away: the Limonextreme Skyrace covers 22km and involves an altitude difference of 2055m, and the Vertical Kilometer covers 4km with an altitude difference of approx. 1100m.
Those wishing to enjoy the same views can retrace the steps of the champions accompanied by experienced mountain guides to ensure both maximum enjoyment and safety.

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