The Cobram Cup returns to Maresca: the tragicomic cycling race inspired by Fantozzi

The legendary "Coppa Cobram" returns to Maresca: hop on the bersagliera to pay tribute to Ragionier Fantozzi!

Date: July 26, 2026  |  Category: Leisure / Events

If when you see a steep climb the only thing that comes to mind is "China? No, the slope is ninety-six percent!", then get ready, because the summer event is about to return.

In Maresca, a charming town in the Pistoia Mountains, one of the most extravagant, fun, and beloved events by cycling (and cinema) enthusiasts is back: the Coppa Cobram!

Inspired by the immortal company cycling race created by the fearsome Doctor Engineer Grand Cross Viscount Cobram in the masterpiece Fantozzi Against Everyone, the event will see dozens of "athletes" tackle a thrilling course, strictly human-powered and with a high alcohol/goliardic factor.

Vintage clothing, unlikely bikes, and lots of humor

Forget carbon fiber frames, aerodynamic jerseys, and professional athlete diets. At the Coppa Cobram in Maresca, the requirements to participate are quite different:

• Vintage or unlikely vehicles: Grazielle bikes, rusty city bikes, rickety tandems, or the classic bikes with the "bersagliera" saddle.
• Strictly themed outfits: Fantozzi in amateur cycling gear, Surveyor Calboni, Miss Silvani, Filini with thick glasses, and even some Cobram himself ready to wave the megaphone.
• Spirit of survival: And above all, the desire to never take yourself seriously!

A tribute to the genius of Paolo Villaggio

Beyond the fun and costumes, the Coppa Cobram is much more than a simple bike outing: it is a heartfelt tribute to Paolo Villaggio and his ability to tell, with bitter and irresistible irony, the vices and virtues of the average Italian.

Riding the roads of the Pistoia mountains dressed as 1970s accounting clerks is a unique way to build community, attract tourists, and rediscover the area while laughing out loud.

How to participate and what to expect

If you want to challenge fate (and the "death curves"), prepare your best – or worst – bike and the most tragicomic outfit you have in your closet. Participants and spectators will be greeted with music, "propitiatory" refreshment points along the route, and prizes not only for the first finishers (if anyone ever reaches the finish line!), but especially for the most faithful and extravagant costumes.

For all the details and to read the day's report, you can check the original article on Il Tirreno.

And you? Are you ready to get on the bersagliera? To the bersagliera!