CHIASSO–PEDRINATE HISTORICAL REENACTMENT 2025

The Chiasso–Pedrinate Historical Reenactment celebrated its eleventh edition in 2025, confirming its status as one of the most eagerly awaited events on the Swiss historical motorcycle scene and unique in its kind in the Canton of Ticino. Organized with the usual passion by the Auto Moto Club Generoso in Mendrisio, the event brought together 140 riders, reaching the maximum number allowed by the regulations again this year, a milestone achieved in the first few weeks after registration opened. As per tradition, Saturday was dedicated to technical checks and paddock life: mechanics, riders, and enthusiasts gathered among tents, mobile workshops, and old-fashioned chatter, breathing in the atmosphere that makes Chiasso–Pedrinate unique. In the afternoon, the usual “fuoripaddock” event took place, an annual event that offers a different theme each year: for the 2025 edition, it was a splendid exhibition of vintage motorcycles and bicycles at the Max Museum in Chiasso, organized in collaboration with Amici Moto d’Epoca Ticino and Vespa Club Mendrisiotto. On this occasion, the Auto Moto Club Generoso exhibited five motorcycles, one for each category, which the next day would take part in the hill climbs. The evening then continued in the paddock with the traditional aperitif offered to all participants, followed by dinner and music until late at night: a moment of genuine friendship between generations, where stories and laughter intertwined.

On Sunday morning, at 8:00 a.m. sharp, the road was closed and the drivers’ briefing took place, prelude to a perfect day under the sun. During the morning, four test climbs were held—two for each group—followed by lunch at the paddock shed and, in the afternoon, another four climbs, again two for each group. The organization ran smoothly in every respect, with no technical or logistical problems, thanks to the commitment of the volunteers and the impeccable cooperation of the drivers. he Chiasso–Pedrinate race has its roots in the early 20th century, when a group of members of the Velo Club Chiasso organized an informal challenge to reward those who managed to climb to Pedrinate in the fastest time. Over the years, the event grew in importance, attracting riders of regional and international renown. Today, the re-enactment renews that link between past and present, celebrating the history
of hill climbing in Mendrisiotto and paying tribute to a unique sporting and cultural heritage.

The Chiasso–Pedrinate route retains the spirit of the original event: approximately 2.7 kilometers connecting Via A. Favre in Chiasso (230 m above sea level) to Pedrinate (424 m above sea level), with an elevation gain of 194 meters. The curves, nestled among vineyards and woods, offer a perfect balance between technique and spectacle, while the increasing altitude takes riders on a real journey through time. Every year, during the weekend of the re-enactment, the road is transformed into a small island of vintage motorcycling, where the roar of engines echoes through the hills and the enthusiasm of the public creates an atmosphere of times gone by. More than just a re-enactment, Chiasso–Pedrinate is a gathering of people and passions, where generations coexist perfectly: young riders approaching the world of historic bikes and veterans sharing experiences and memories. It is not just a 2.7 km event, but a way of experiencing the history of motorcycling together, in a welcoming and familiar environment, made up of friendship, respect, and smiles. The convivial atmosphere, the warm welcome, and this year’s perfect weather conditions—full sun and ideal temperatures—contributed to making this edition a real success from every point of view.

Among the guests of honor present this year were Teuvo Länsivuori, Finnish motorcycle racing legend, and Bruno Kneubühler, a major figure in Swiss motorcycle racing. Also present were Sandro Baumann, Mauro Pellencini, and Elio Fontana. Andrea Majola, winner of the 2024 Junior Manx Grand Prix and official club rider, and Sergio Pellandini had also been announced, but had to withdraw at the last minute due to unforeseen personal circumstances.

Once again, the Chiasso–Pedrinate Historical Reenactment has proven to be much more than a sporting event: an authentic celebration, a meeting point between generations and motorcycle cultures, an event that grows year after year while keeping its original spirit of passion, history, and friendship intact.