Tre Valli Varesine
Tre Valli Varesine, meaning “the three valleys of Varese,” is one of northern Italy’s classic one-day races. First held in 1919, it was created to celebrate the rolling roads around the lakes of Lombardy and is organised by the Società Ciclistica Alfredo Binda. Legends such as Alfredo Binda, Gino Bartali and Vincenzo Nibali have all won here, while recent editions have seen riders like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič join the honours list. Part of the Trittico Lombardo, it remains a decisive test before Il Lombardia.
History
Tre Valli Varesine, meaning “the three valleys of Varese,” was first raced in 1919 and has become one of the most respected one-day races in northern Italy. Organised by the Società Ciclistica Alfredo Binda, it has always celebrated the rolling roads and short climbs around the lakes of Lombardy.
Piero Bestetti won the inaugural edition, setting the tone for a race that would become a stage for many of Italy’s greatest riders. Alfredo Binda, Gino Bartali and Gianni Motta all added their names to the honours list, while later champions such as Giuseppe Saronni, Gianni Bugno and Vincenzo Nibali kept it among the country’s most prestigious events.
Over time the race has grown more international. In recent years, riders like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič have claimed victory in Varese. The repeated circuits demand endurance and a sharp finishing kick, qualities that define many of its winners.
Part of the Trittico Lombardo together with Coppa Bernocchi and Coppa Agostoni, Tre Valli Varesine now holds UCI ProSeries status and serves as one of the final tests before Il Lombardia.
Since 2021, a women’s edition has joined the calendar, adding another chapter to the race’s long history.
