On October 25–26, IMBA Italia will return with its annual gathering—and this year in grand style. The fifth edition of the Gathering will take place at the Castello di Miradolo in San Secondo di Pinerolo (TO), with the support of Turismo Torino e Provincia and Upslowtour, marking an important milestone: the 10th anniversary of the association’s founding.
The theme for 2025 is: “Cycling tourism on natural trails as a catalyst for local economic development.” A title that aims to spark discussion around successful models of collaboration between tourism boards, local businesses, and MTB associations—models that can bring value to less central but high-potential areas.
That cycling is now a driver of sustainable tourism and economic growth is widely recognized, especially among those with a focus on environmental and inclusive approaches. But the fact that, for its 10th anniversary, IMBA Italia is being hosted in a historic castle surrounded by a centuries-old garden is also a tangible sign of growing institutional recognition: mountain biking is no longer a niche—it’s a resource.
“We are proud to organize this fifth Gathering in the year of our 10th anniversary, and to do so in such an extraordinary venue as San Secondo di Pinerolo, just a few kilometers from our headquarters in Turin. The support of Turismo Torino, which has long been committed to promoting outdoor recreation and mountain biking, gives further strength to an event that aims to be inclusive—for professionals, associations, and communities who believe in cycling as a tool for growth.”
— Edoardo Melchiori, President of IMBA Italia
Speakers and Guests: Thought Leaders for Meaningful Dialogue
Adding weight to this special anniversary edition will be the presence of leading figures from the worlds of cycle tourism, event organization, and territorial development, coming from across Italy.
The sessions will be moderated by Edoardo Melchiori and Luca Bortolotti, President and Vice-President of IMBA Italia.
This year’s speakers include:
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Paolo Pinzuti, CEO of BikeItalia / Bikenomist
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Rocco Filidoro, President of MSP Ciclismo and co-organizer of the Tuscany Trail
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Alberto Surico, local representative for Alta Val Chisone and Val Susa – Turismo Torino
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Davide Benedetto, promoter of the Upslowtour project
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Elisa Gallo and Giovanni Bruschi, National Council Members of FIAB (Italian Federation for Environment and Bicycle)
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Michele Oriente, Director of the Valsugana Tourism Board
In addition to the speakers, the audience will include key professionals in outdoor and tourism sectors: experts in destination marketing, cycling tourism strategy, trail network management, and event design—as well as institutional representatives and stakeholders from major Italian cycling destinations. A diverse and qualified audience ready to engage in an open, cross-sector dialogue on the future of cycle tourism in Italy.
Program: Insight, Exchange, and Local Discovery
The 2025 Gathering will span two days, with a renewed format combining valuable content, networking opportunities, and field activities—true to IMBA’s signature style.
Saturday, October 25 will be entirely hosted at Castello di Miradolo. From morning to evening, the neo-Gothic greenhouse in the historical park will host conferences, roundtables, and discussions among associations and industry stakeholders.
Highlights of the day include:
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Keynote speeches by the invited speakers
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A public roundtable discussion
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IMBA Italia’s annual activity presentation
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A direct exchange among participating associations
Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided on-site by Pasticceria Castino from Pinerolo. After the main sessions, attendees will have the option to join a guided tour of the castle gardens and/or the current exhibition—offering a relaxed, cultural dimension to the day.
The evening will conclude with a group dinner and informal networking moment, to strengthen community bonds among attendees, speakers, and guests.
Sunday, October 26 will be dedicated to outdoor activities:
MTB tours and on-site workshops on the trails of the Upslowtour – Pinerolese Terra di Bici project, a trail network that has turned the Pinerolo area into one of Northern Italy’s most bike-friendly destinations in recent years.
Participants will get hands-on experience of the region’s cycling infrastructure, explore rolling hills equipped for MTB and e-MTB use, and engage in practical discussions on sustainable trail management and local development models linked to cycling.
Registrations Now Open: Three Packages Available, Discounts Until September 14
Registration for the IMBA Gathering 2025 is now officially open, with an early bird promotion available until September 14, offering up to 50% off the participation fee.
Three registration packages are available to suit different needs:
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Basic Package: €30 (€15 early bird)
Includes: access to the Saturday and Sunday conference sessions
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Standard Package: €75 (€60 early bird)
Includes: conference + Saturday lunch and coffee breaks
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Full Package: €105 (€90 early bird)
Includes: conference + lunch + coffee breaks + Saturday dinner
A special agreement is also in place with selected hotels near Castello di Miradolo, offering discounted rates for 1- or 2-night stays in single, double, triple, or quadruple rooms.
To book accommodation, contact the Consorzio Turistico Pinerolese e Valli directly by email at info@turismopinerolese.it or call +39 331 3901745, mentioning your participation in the IMBA Italia Gathering.
All details about packages, discounts, and partner accommodations are available via the links below.
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