In the weekend of 20 to 23 May, the 11de edition of the Terre Di Canossa driven in beautiful Italy. The ride visited the regions of Emilia, Liguria and Tuscany. A person would start to water for less in these Corona times. The participants had to cover 650 km, 63 regularities and six medium speed tests over three days. Only 100 cars are allowed to ride each year. Despite that annoying pandemic, 64 participants still started this year, including some Belgian and Dutch teams.
Text: Dirk Ivens/ Canossa Events Photos: credit to Canossa Events
On Thursday 20 May, the participating cars were exhibited in the beautiful Art Nouveau city. In the meantime, the technical inspections took place at the Palazzo dei Congressi where the participants could get to know each other. In the evening there was a gala dinner provided by star chef Massimo Spigaroli in the castle of Tabiano.
On Friday 21 May went the ride from Salsomaggiore Terme to Bocca di Magra. At 9 am sharp, the rally left for a nice trip through the hairpin bends in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The old-timers were preceded by some modern Ferraris. Then it went from Parma to Berceto and through the lush green spring landscape to the Passa Cisa. En route, demanding time trials had to be passed before continuing towards Pontremoli, La Spezia, Monte Marcelle, Punta Bianca and Ameglia. Along the way, the Passo del Rastrello also had to be conquered.
On Saturday 22 May the cars departed from Piazza Marconi at Forte dei Marmi for a trip via the 'Strada del Marmo' (Marble Road). The participants had to pass through the narrow tunnels dug in the rocks to the most spectacular marble quarries in this part of Italy. The mayor greeted the participants on behalf of the city. They also received a bottle of local wine and a poster as a souvenir. Then it continued to the 'Grotta Negra' (Black Cave) for medium speed trials and RTs under the white Apuan Alps. Towards Isola Santa, the participants passed through a beautiful turquoise lake. Many photographers and car enthusiasts were here to take pictures of this beautiful moment.
There has always been a link between the heart of Tuscany and motoring, rallies and classic cars. In fact, it is not uncommon for locals to take part in the parade with their own classic car or youngtimer. They then fully enjoy this moment by accompanying the participants for a while.
Along lush green roads overlooking streams and waterfalls and through part of the Apuan Alps Regional Park, the cars reached the lively old town center of Castelnuovo Garfagnana.
The last part of the route before lunch was covered on a steep, narrow road that led to Collodi, the birthplace of Pinocchio and the birthplace of the maker of the world's most famous doll. Time for the participants to relax in the beautiful surroundings of Villa Garzoni where they were warmly welcomed by Pierfrancesco Bernacchi, President of the Carlo Collodi National Foundation. The villa stands in the historic Garzoni Gardens, famous for pretty flower beds, water features, maze and butterfly house.
At 14.15pm everyone was back on track along the scenic road through Segromigno in Monte, past olive groves and poplars so typical of the Tuscan countryside. Then one reached Lucca, a beautiful city that has always reserved a warm welcome for the Terre di Canossa. A city whose streets in the old town provide a beautiful backdrop for the cars. After a short stop at Piazza Napoleone, participants continued on the traditional, emotional ride over Lucca's ancient city walls. This was made possible thanks to the special permit that was granted.
The next stop was Monte Serra and Lake Massaciuccoli. The day ended in Forte dei Marmi, with the Trofeo Forte dei Marmi for non-professional drivers.
Luca Spagni, Alderman for Sports and Industry for Quattro Castella, welcomed the teams saying: “We are very happy and proud to host this important event.”
Sunday 24 May rode the third stage from Forte dei Marmi to Quattro Castella, the heart of Queen Matilda's lands.
At 8.45 am, the departure took place from Piazza Dante located in front of the town hall of Forte dei Marmi. The participants said goodbye to the Versilia coast and returned to Emilia. They first visited the centers of Sarzana and Fivizzano for a transit check. After crossing the Passo Cerreto, the next stop was Casa Canossa, the new home of Canossa Events, and the Trofeo Tricolore. Then the ride continued to Quattro Castella, the heart of the lands once controlled by Matilda of Canossa. The teams were welcomed by actors, musicians and standard-bearers in medieval clothing, who paid tribute to this important Countess in Piazza Dante Alighieri.
The last stop was the beautiful Fondazione Magnani Rocca, the Villa dei Capolavori in Mamiano and the prestigious collection of contemporary artworks by Luigi Magnani. The teams were finally able to relax and discuss the final stages as they awaited the award ceremony and the announcement of the 2021 winners.
This edition of the Terre di Canossa was won by Gianmario Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli, followed by Michele Cibaldi and Andrea Costa. Alberto Aliverti and Stefano Valente took third place.
The level of the participants was high this year and there was a fierce battle for a place in the first three. The winners of this eleventh edition were announced after several days of heated competition. But in general, this rally was characterized by the relentless sportsmanship of the teams.
Car 2 was declared overall winner of the Terre di Canossa 2021: Gianmario Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli in a 1927 Lancia Lambda Spider. They also took home the Pre War Cup as well.
Car 15 took second place overall: Michele Cibaldi and Andrea Costa in a 1100 Fiat 1948 Siluro.
Third place went to car number 1 with Alberto Aliverti and Stefano Valente in one Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Zagato from 1929.
The special ranking for the average speed tests was won by the Belgian team of Winand Cremers and Nathalie Peeters in a 100 Austin Healey 4/2 BN1955.
The Porsche Classic Team Zurich won the team classification.
The international cup for Belgium was won by Raphaël Claes and Cecile Claes in a 3000 Austin Healey 1960 MKI.
The international cup for the Netherlands was won by Cornis Filius and Maria Filius Van Straalen in a 1100 Fiat 103/1955 Berlina MM.
A challenge dressed in 'green'
The organizers confirmed their eco-friendly outlook for the sixth consecutive year and decided to reintroduce a CarbonZero protocol to fully offset the remaining CO2 emissions by planting new trees in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The Terre di Canossa proved once again that this is the only zero-emission event of its kind.
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