In 1999 a group of passionate, committed and determined members of Casale MTB, led by Mauro Deambrogio, decided to organise an ambitious point-to-point marathon that took in some of the most striking locations in our area of Monferrato. Claudio Ginevro, a well-known local cyclist, was tasked with putting the route together thanks to his knowledge of the area, gleaned through a constant and passionate search for routes off the beaten track. This was to become the MFBK - Monferratobike, a competition that saw constant growth over seven editions, with alterations, improvements and the involvement of a range of voluntary associations. More than 600 people from all over northern Italy signed up, with positive reviews in the major specialist magazines. Both the last and second-to-last editions started and ended in Pontestura, because the Casalese Sports Department was no longer able to sustain the event at a logistical or financial level. Despite alterations to the route in the last two editions, the it was as successful as predicted. Unfortunately, 2005 was the final edition. It became increasingly difficult and complicated to organise events on this scale without the necessary sponsorship to cover the huge organisational expenses.
Since then, FIAB Monferrato Bike has proposed ​a non-competitive event which sees great participation every year. The competitive spirit is still present, expressed in the overall individual time challenge, measured using the Strava smartphone app. We want to propose the original route once more, with a few minor changes owing to changes in the area that have affected the character of trails and tracks.
Start from Casale Monferrato, beside Monferrato Castle. Pass through EterNot Park then get on the original route. Pass through Coniolo, heading alongside the river Po to the old inland port of Coniolo Basso. A climb on steep, dirt roads starts here. After Coniolo and at the foot of Vialarda, take the trail for Agriturismo Cascina Smeralda, arriving in Pontestura along a narrow track through the woods. From here, on the banks of the river Po, climb to Camino on an attractive trail with great views. Straight after Caffè Ristorante del Peso, turn left on the country road to Cascina Lupara then continue for Camino Castle. Take a long stretch of a trail known as Roncheisa until you come alongside Castel San Pietro. From here, continue through the hamlet of Piazzano and climb the Cima Coppi of the route, the most sought-after hill among Monferrato Casalese’s cyclists: Monte Sion. Then it’s over some ups and downs to the hamlet of Rocchetta di Pontestura, then towards Cascina Fietta, Cascine Lunghe di Quarti, all part of the municipality of Pontestura. Head down passing alongside the Vialarda motocross field and turn right at Villa Sordi onto a tough climb to Rolasco on rough terrain. This is the last 10 km stretch and there aren’t enough tracks; leave the tarmac again at Cascina Baldovina for the trail known as Regina Claretta. After getting to the road for Casale at 500 m, turn right and climb again to Cascina Morselle. Here, a downhill stretch finally leads to the end of the route in Casale.