In February, the Millegrobbe returns to the Alpe Cimbra in its 3.0 version, and the brand-new Mini1000 is launched for the youngest athletes

On February 21st and 22nd, the Millegrobbe returns to the Alpe Cimbra in its 3.0 version, an event that in the past has written important chapters in national and international cross-country skiing history. Thanks to the support of APT Cimbra, the Municipality of Lavarone, and the managers of the Millegrobbe Cross-Country Ski Center and Malga Millegrobbe, Team Futura from Lavis will once again host the event this year with a new, future-oriented format, also focusing on young talents from Trentino and beyond.

For the first time, in addition to awarding Master titles on Saturday, the event will also see younger athletes take to the narrow skis on Sunday. The determination and valuable support provided by the Alpe Cimbra Tourism Board, in collaboration with the managers of the renowned and much-appreciated cross-country ski center, have made it possible—thanks to the new artificial snowmaking system with a water reservoir—to once again host competitions while ensuring the event can take place regardless of weather conditions.

Said and done: Team Futura, which has always been deeply in love with this area, immediately accepted the challenge. And fortune favors the bold—thanks also to the recent heavy snowfall that has covered the Alpe since last Sunday, the success of a major event is now almost guaranteed.

The dates to mark on the calendar are February 21st and 22nd, with races held exclusively in free technique (skating): on Saturday for the assignment of Italian Amateur and Master Champion titles as well as points for the Master Italian Cup circuit, and on Sunday for the younger categories.

All the positive feedback gathered by the organizers in recent months also led them to partially revise the traditional Millegrobbe format. For adult athletes, a two-day overall classification will be introduced, awarding the Millegrobbe winners based on the combined times from both race stages.

“We expect a high-level event with strong participation,” explains race director Silvano Berlanda. “In an Olympic February for Trentino, when competitions are practically held nowhere else, racing will take place only at Malga Millegrobbe. There will also be the opportunity to watch the two final Olympic races—the men’s 50 km and the women’s 30 km—together on a giant screen with fellow cross-country skiing enthusiasts.”

The race courses will be defined in the coming days based on the recent heavy snowfall.
A total of 11 Italian Master titles will be up for grabs in Saturday’s race, according to the categories established by the regulations.

On Saturday, February 21st, free technique races will be held: male amateurs and Master 1, 2, and 3 competitors will race over a distance of 30 kilometers, while Master 4 and Master 5 men will compete over 15 kilometers—the same course that will host the five female categories (amateurs and Master F1, F2, F3, and F4).

On Sunday, February 22nd, racing will continue in free technique but over shorter distances as part of the Trentino Championship circuits: Baby and Cuccioli in the Conad Circuit, Ragazzi and Allievi in the Casse Rurali Trentine Circuit, and finally Giovani, Senior, and Master athletes in the Cavit Circuit. Those Masters who also competed on Saturday will be eligible to contend for the overall MILLEGROBBE 3.0 title.

A total of 20 categories will be awarded on Sunday alone, in addition to the four overall classifications based on both race days. This results in 35 podiums in a single race weekend, featuring over 600 competitors—from under-8 children to Master 5 athletes—representing a potential age range of nearly 80 years.

The Alpe Cimbra has always been a dynamic region dedicated to sports practiced in a dreamlike natural environment. The Malga Millegrobbe plateau in particular is one of the most beautiful natural amphitheaters for cross-country skiing, offering fairytale scenery that, in winter, with its blanket of snow, makes this Trentino location one of the most charming and appreciated destinations for the sport.

The appointment is set for the last weekend of February—an event not to be missed.
www.teamfutura.it