The Red Bull Cerro Abajo returns to Genoa in June 2026, bringing the world's most daring urban downhill mountain bikers to the Italian port city for a 2.2 km adrenaline-charged descent through centuries-old fortifications, narrow stairways, and panoramic overlooks. This marks the third edition of Genoa hosting the event and the first time it takes place in early summer, with finals scheduled for June 28, 2026.
Why This Matters
• Tourism meets culture: A first-of-its-kind partnership with Treccani transforms the race into a guided cultural itinerary, spotlighting Genoa's poets, cantautori, and historical landmarks.
• Elite field: Top international riders are competing for the 2026 title, representing the highest caliber of extreme sports talent.
• Economic visibility: The event positions Genoa as a destination for both extreme sports and heritage tourism, with the race broadcast globally.
From Chilean Hills to European Cobblestones
The Red Bull Cerro Abajo began in 2003 in Valparaíso, Chile, where riders first transformed the city's steep "cerros" into vertical race tracks. Since then, the competition has evolved into a World Series format, with stops in Chile, Mexico, Germany, and—since 2024—Italy. Genoa's edition debuted in 2024 as the first European leg.
The 2026 Genoa race will be part of the international Red Bull Cerro Abajo circuit, continuing the series' expansion into new urban environments. The format showcases how cities worldwide are embracing extreme sports as a vehicle for cultural storytelling and tourism development.
The Route: Monte Peralto to Largo della Zecca
Riders will launch from the Righi funicular's upper station at Monte Peralto, plunging down the Mura Nuove, 17th-century defensive walls that once protected the Republic of Genoa. The first jump catapults competitors into the creuza (narrow alley) of Salita Superiore San Simone—a name immortalized in the songs of Fabrizio De André, Genoa's most beloved cantautore.
The course then tackles Salita Emanuele Cavallo, a punishingly steep section culminating in a hairpin turn that tests braking precision. From there, riders sweep onto the circonvallazione a monte (upper ring road) and pass through Spianata Castelletto, a panoramic terrace overlooking the port. This "springboard" section launches them onto Corso Carbonara before a sharp turn into Vico dell'Incarnazione and a final sprint to the finish at Largo della Zecca.
The 2.2 km track features a 279-meter vertical drop, blending technical staircase hops, blind corners, and high-speed straightaways. It's designed to showcase both rider athleticism and Genoa's dramatic topography.
A Cultural Map: Treccani Meets Red Bull
For the first time, Red Bull and Treccani—Italy's preeminent encyclopedia publisher—have collaborated to produce a cultural map of the race route. The project, part of Treccani's "Treccani Esperienze" tourism initiative, transforms each segment of the descent into a narrative chapter about Genoa's identity.
At the start on the Righi heights, the map evokes the "Guasto d'amore" sung by contemporary rapper Bresh, while the Salita Superiore San Simone stretch recalls De André's "Crêuza de Mä", his 1984 album sung entirely in Genoese dialect. Descending Via Domenico Chiodo past Liberty-style villas and the scent of basil, the map highlights local proverbs, urban legends, and culinary traditions—such as the city's famed pesto genovese.
The initiative aims to deepen tourism engagement beyond spectacle. By anchoring the race to Genoa's literary and musical heritage, organizers hope to encourage visitors to explore the city's caruggi (medieval alleyways) and cultural institutions long after the race ends. The map is available digitally and in print, distributed at key viewing points along the route.
What This Means for Residents
For Genoa, the Red Bull Cerro Abajo is more than a sporting event—it's a strategic branding exercise. The race draws tens of thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers, positioning the city alongside extreme sports capitals like Valparaíso and Guanajuato. The Treccani partnership adds a layer of cultural legitimacy, framing Genoa as a destination where adrenaline and history coexist.
Traffic disruptions will be significant: roads along the route, including Corso Carbonara and the Castelletto area, will be closed on June 27-28, 2026. The AMT (Genoa's public transport authority) will reroute buses and increase funicular service to the Righi to accommodate spectators. Residents in the historic center should expect elevated noise levels and limited vehicle access during the event weekend.
The economic impact is expected to be substantial. Hotels in the Centro Storico and Castelletto neighborhoods anticipate strong bookings, while local restaurants and cafés expect to benefit from the influx of international visitors. The Genoa Tourism Board estimates the event will generate significant direct spending, not counting longer-term benefits from global media exposure.
The Field: Extreme Sports Excellence
The Red Bull Cerro Abajo attracts elite riders from around the world, known for their exceptional skills in urban downhill racing. Competitors represent the highest caliber of extreme sports talent, coming from regions with strong downhill traditions including South America, Europe, and beyond.
Qualifying rounds on Saturday will narrow the field to the fastest riders, who compete in head-to-head elimination brackets on Sunday. The format rewards not just speed but tactical aggression—riders must balance risk on technical features with consistency across timed runs.
Genoa's Growing Role in Extreme Sports
Genoa's embrace of the Cerro Abajo reflects a broader shift in Italian urban tourism. Cities like Turin (hosting Red Bull urban trials) and Rome (skateboarding championships) are leveraging extreme sports to attract younger, more diverse visitor demographics. The Genoa City Council has invested in course infrastructure, including reinforced viewing platforms and safety barriers, signaling long-term commitment.
The Treccani collaboration is particularly notable. By wedding high-octane sport to heritage storytelling, Genoa differentiates itself from other Red Bull venues. Valparaíso and Guanajuato offer raw, chaotic street racing; Genoa offers that plus a curated cultural journey. It's a model that other Italian cities—Bologna, Naples, Palermo—may study as they compete for international event hosting.
For spectators unable to attend in person, Red Bull TV will stream the race live, with commentary in Italian and English. Highlights will air on Rai Sport following the event.
Viewing and Logistics
The best vantage points are Spianata Castelletto (panoramic terrace, arrive early) and Corso Carbonara (high-speed section with jumps). Both are accessible via the Zecca-Righi funicular, which will run continuously throughout the event weekend. Street-level viewing along Vico dell'Incarnazione and Largo della Zecca offers close-up action but limited sightlines.
Spectators should wear comfortable shoes—Genoa's historic center is notoriously steep—and bring sun protection. June temperatures hover around 26°C, with afternoon sun exposure intense on open stretches like Castelletto. Water stations will be available at funicular stops.
The AMT advises using public transport. Parking in the historic center will be restricted, and roads near the course will be closed. The Principe and Brignole train stations connect to funicular lines via bus routes 33 and 36.
For those exploring the Treccani cultural map, printed copies will be available at the Palazzo Ducale visitor center and AMT information kiosks. The digital version includes audio commentary on key sites, narrated in Italian, English, and Genoese dialect—a nod to De André's linguistic legacy.
Beyond the Race
As the riders descend from the Righi's green hills into the dense urban fabric of the Centro Storico, they will trace a route that locals have walked for centuries. The creuze, those narrow stone paths carved into the hillside, once connected farms to the port; today, they connect past to present, tradition to innovation. Whether you're there for the speed or the stories, Genoa in June 2026 will offer both in equal measure.
