The Italian Gravel Champion, Samuele Zoccarato, will be at the start of the first edition of The Hills

Having the Italian gravel champion in the roster is the perfect opportunity for Team Polti VisitMalta to compete in this discipline for the first time. The gravel debut of Ivan Basso and the Contador brothers’ structure will take place on Saturday, March 29, in the province of Treviso, when Samuele Zoccarato will participate in the inaugural edition of The Hills, an event created by renowned gravel specialist Mattia De Marchi. The hills in question are those of Prosecco, a world-famous wine region and a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts: the race will cover 180 kilometers with 2,200 meters of elevation gain, 70% on gravel roads, starting and finishing at lake Le Bandie.

The Hills also involves, in various capacities, the technical partners of Polti VisitMalta: Gsport, Sidi, Enve, Vittoria, Prologo, Elite, Look, Kask and Koo. The bike Zoccarato will use is the Manto, AURUM’s gravel model. “I’m happy to test myself once again in this discipline” said the 27-year-old rider “and I thank the team along with AURUM for allowing me to do so with the best support. I’m curious to take on a brand-new race that promises to be grueling due to the tough course and a top-level field. I find gravel racing to be perfect for training hard while freeing the mind!”